Brioche Cinnamon Rolls with Blueberry and Cream Cheese Frosting

Brioche Cinnamon Rolls with Blueberry and Cream Cheese Frosting offer the perfect balance between fluffy, buttery dough, sweet cinnamon filling, tangy blueberry compote, and rich cream cheese frosting. This recipe elevates the traditional cinnamon roll by incorporating a tender brioche base and a fruity twist that makes each bite even more indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a special brunch treat, a weekend baking project, or a show-stopping breakfast pastry, this recipe is sure to impress.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Brioche Dough:

• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F (43°C)​

• 2¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast​

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar​

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour​

• 1 teaspoon salt​

• 4 large eggs, room temperature​

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened​

For the Blueberry Filling:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh or frozen blueberries​

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar​

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice​

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch​

For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar​

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon​

• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened​

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened​

• ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, softened​

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar​

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

• Zest of 1 lemon​

Directions:

1. Prepare the Brioche Dough:

   • In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.​

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.​

   • Add the yeast mixture and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.​

   • Gradually add softened butter, mixing until fully incorporated.​

   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.​

   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.​

2. Prepare the Blueberry Filling:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the berries release their juices.​

   • In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.​

   • Add the slurry to the blueberry mixture, stirring continuously until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.​

3. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:

   • In a bowl, mix together brown sugar and cinnamon.

4. Assemble the Rolls:

   • Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.​

   • Spread softened butter over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.​

   • Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered area.​

   • Drizzle the cooled blueberry filling over the cinnamon sugar layer.

   • Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log.​

   • Cut the log into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.​

   • Cover and let the rolls rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.​

5. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).​

   • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.​

6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.​

   • Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat until creamy.​

7. Frost the Rolls:

   • Allow the baked rolls to cool slightly before spreading the cream cheese frosting over the top.​

Prep Time: 2 hours (including rise time) | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes​

Kcal: 350 kcal per roll | Servings: 12 rolls

The History of Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls have a long history dating back centuries, with origins in both Sweden and Germany. In Sweden, they are known as “kanelbullar” and are celebrated every year on October 4th during National Cinnamon Roll Day. Meanwhile, German bakers developed their own version, emphasizing a rich, spiced filling. The modern cinnamon roll became widely popular in the United States, where bakers began incorporating cream cheese frosting for added decadence. This particular recipe enhances the traditional approach by using brioche dough, which is a French-style enriched bread, along with a vibrant blueberry filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Why Brioche Makes the Best Cinnamon Rolls

The key to truly exceptional cinnamon rolls lies in the dough. Standard cinnamon rolls use a simple yeast dough, but this recipe uses brioche, which takes them to a whole new level. Here’s why:

• Tender and Buttery Texture – Brioche is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, making it incredibly soft and delicate. Each bite practically melts in your mouth.
• Superior Flavor – The richness of brioche enhances the overall taste of the cinnamon rolls, providing a subtle, buttery sweetness that complements the cinnamon and blueberry perfectly.
• Moisture Retention – Unlike standard doughs that can dry out quickly, brioche stays soft and pillowy for longer, making these rolls just as delicious the next day.

The Benefits of Adding Blueberries

Blueberries aren’t just delicious; they also bring several health benefits to this recipe:

• Rich in Antioxidants – Blueberries are known for their high levels of antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
• Natural Sweetness – The natural sugars in blueberries provide a delightful contrast to the spiced cinnamon filling, reducing the need for excessive refined sugar.
• Beautiful Color & Presentation – The deep purple hue of the blueberry filling makes these cinnamon rolls visually stunning, adding a pop of color that makes them even more appetizing.
• Balanced Flavor – The tartness of the blueberries helps cut through the richness of the brioche and cream cheese frosting, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Unique Flavor Combination – The blend of warm cinnamon, juicy blueberries, and tangy cream cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Perfect Texture – The fluffy, buttery brioche provides the ideal base for the gooey cinnamon filling and soft fruit layer.
• Visually Stunning – The deep purple blueberries against the golden-brown rolls make these pastries a feast for the eyes.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, a brunch gathering, or a weekend treat, these cinnamon rolls are guaranteed to be a hit.

Conclusion

Brioche Cinnamon Rolls with Blueberry and Cream Cheese Frosting take a beloved classic and transform it into an even more luxurious treat. The combination of rich brioche dough, sweet-spiced cinnamon, tart blueberries, and silky cream cheese frosting creates an indulgent pastry that is both comforting and sophisticated. If you’re looking for the ultimate cinnamon roll recipe, this is it! Try this recipe for your next baking project and experience the magic of these beautifully crafted, deliciously flavored rolls. Happy baking!