These Blackberry Sweet Rolls are fluffy treats packed with delicious blackberry filling. They’re perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day!
Every bite feels like a hug, thanks to the soft dough and tasty berries. I can’t help but smile when I see them on the table—talk about a fruity delight!
Making these rolls is simple. Just roll, fill, and bake! I love enjoying them warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. It’s like a little bite of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour gives the rolls structure. If you want a lighter texture, you can use bread flour instead, which has more protein. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 baking flour blend works well too.
Blackberries: Fresh blackberries shine in these rolls, but if they’re out of season, you can substitute with frozen blackberries. Just thaw and drain them first to avoid a soggy filling.
Granulated sugar: This sweetener helps with rising the dough and balances the tartness of blackberries. Coconut sugar is a good alternative if you’re looking for a more natural sweetener.
Cornstarch: This thickens the blackberry filling, so the juices don’t make the dough soggy. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour, but the filling might be a bit runnier.
How Do I Get the Dough to Rise Perfectly?
Getting the dough to rise is key for fluffy rolls. Warmth and time are your best friends here. After mixing the dough, place it in a warm spot, like near a sunny window or in an oven set to a low temperature (then turned off).
- Make sure the bowl is greased to prevent sticking, and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap to keep moisture in.
- Look for the dough to double in size, which usually takes about an hour. If it’s not rising, check the yeast’s expiration; it should be fresh!
How to Make Blackberry Sweet Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Blackberry Filling:
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 2 hours total, including 1 hour for the first rise and 30 minutes for the second rise, plus 25-30 minutes of baking time. Easy, fluffy sweet rolls are just a little patience away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by combining warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Stir it gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks frothy on top. This means your yeast is active! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a little well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, and cracked egg. Mix everything until you have a shaggy dough.
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens! Once it’s ready, place it in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—this should take about 1 hour.
3. Make the Blackberry Filling:
While your dough is rising, let’s prepare the delicious filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently toss everything together to coat the blackberries, then set it aside to mingle while the dough rises.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen and is nice and puffy, punch it down gently to release some air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly all over the dough, making sure to get it to the edges. Now, roll the rectangle up tightly from one long side to form a log and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
5. Second Rise and Bake:
Place the sliced rolls into a greased baking dish. Cover them with a kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes. While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the rolls have puffed up nicely, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and smell wonderful!
6. Dust and Serve:
Once baked, take the rolls out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar to make them look extra special. Enjoy your delicious blackberry sweet rolls! They’re perfect for breakfast or a delightful treat at any time of the day!
Can I Use Frozen Blackberries for the Filling?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen blackberries, be sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This prevents the filling from being too watery and keeps your sweet rolls from becoming soggy. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To veganize this recipe, substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. For the egg, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes). These adjustments will ensure you still have delightful rolls!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider placing them in the fridge or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and freezing for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. The next day, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out and continuing with the filling. This helps the dough rise nicely!
