Name: Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup milk; ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 large egg (room temperature); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2-2¼ cups all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen); ⅔ cup blackberries (fresh or frozen); 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); ½ teaspoon lavender syrup; ¼ teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature); ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter (room temperature); 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest (packed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 66 reviews

There is something utterly magical about waking up to the scent of freshly baked Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe filling your kitchen. Imagine delicate rolls swirled with a luscious, fragrant blend of blueberries, blackberries, and a hint of lavender, all topped with irresistibly tangy lemon cream cheese frosting. This delightful treat balances floral, fruity, and creamy notes in every bite, making it perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions when you want to impress with a homemade touch that’s both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round dish filled with eight uncooked dough rolls arranged close together in a circle. Each roll has a light beige dough outer layer with a bright dark red and purple fruit filling spiraled inside, visible from the top. The rolls are smooth and evenly shaped, sitting on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, a single roll sits alone outside the dish, slightly blurred. A wooden rolling pin with flour scattered nearby is in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each selected to add unique texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the fresh burst of berries, every component plays a crucial role in creating these memorable rolls.

½ cup milk: Provides the necessary moisture and creates a tender crumb in the dough.
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft texture.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough slightly, allowing the yeast to nourish and ferment.
1 teaspoon active dry yeast: The essential leavening agent that makes the rolls rise and become fluffy.
1 large egg (room temperature): Adds structure and moisture to the dough for a perfect chew.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma that complements the lavender and berries.
2-2¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
⅔ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen): Bursting with natural sweetness and color for the filling.
⅔ cup blackberries (fresh or frozen): Adds a rich, tangy contrast in the fruity swirl.
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed): Deepens flavor in the berry filling with a caramel-like note.
½ teaspoon lavender syrup: Brings a gentle floral essence that makes these rolls uniquely special.
¼ teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the berry mixture with a fresh, zesty kick.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the berry filling for perfect spreadability.
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): The base of the luxurious frosting that complements the sweet rolls.
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and smoothness to the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese and lemon.
1 teaspoon lemon zest (packed): Intensifies the lemon flavor with fragrant citrus oils.

How to Make Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by bringing the milk to a boil to activate the warmth needed for the yeast. Once boiled, stir in the butter until melted, which enriches the dough and contributes to its softness. Add sugar and yeast, then wait for the mixture to become foamy — this indicates your yeast is alive and kicking, critical for fluffy rolls.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Knead

Add the egg, salt, and vanilla to build flavor depth and structure. Begin adding the flour gradually while mixing with a stand mixer or by hand, aiming for a dough that is soft yet slightly sticky. Knead for about 5 minutes to develop a strong gluten network, resulting in tender, well-risen rolls.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the dough and leave it in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until it doubles in size. This step is where the magic happens — the yeast ferments, creating air pockets that give the rolls their light texture.

Step 4: Making the Lavender Berry Filling

Simmer blueberries, blackberries, brown sugar, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and cornstarch on low to medium heat. Stir gently as the berries burst and thicken into a luscious filling. Let it cool before spreading to avoid soaking the dough.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12×16 inch rectangle, then spread the berry mixture evenly, leaving space at one edge. Roll the dough from the filled side carefully into a tight log to create spiral swirls of flavor in every bite. Cut into 9 even rolls and place in a greased 9-inch pan.

Step 6: Proof and Bake

Let the rolls rise again for 20-30 minutes while the oven heats to 350°F. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden on top. For make-ahead convenience, refrigerate the unbaked rolls for up to two days, then bake straight from the fridge after allowing them time to warm and rise slightly.

Step 7: Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Whip together cream cheese and butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar and lemon zest for a frosting that is tangy, smooth, and sweet. Spread this frosting over the warm rolls right out of the oven so it melts slightly and envelopes each swirl in luscious flavor.

How to Serve Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A white plate holds a half-eaten cinnamon roll with white cream cheese icing on top, showing layers of soft golden brown dough swirled with dark red berry filling inside. A woman's hand is lifting a piece of the roll with a silver fork. Next to the plate is a bowl of thick white cream on a white marbled surface. Below, a larger white round dish contains several more cinnamon rolls, some with the dark red berry filling and others topped with the same white icing, with fluffy golden layers. To the right, a white plate has a silver knife with some leftover cream and crumbs on it, and white flowers with green leaves add a fresh touch in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch that’s both pretty and flavorful, sprinkle additional fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the frosted rolls. A few edible lavender petals can elevate presentation and hint even more at the floral notes inside.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as the star of a brunch table, but pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad balances the richness and adds a refreshing contrast. A cup of Earl Grey tea or a delicate floral coffee perfectly complements the lavender tones.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of the classic round pan, try baking the rolls in a rectangular or braided shape for an eye-catching centerpiece. You can also pipe the lemon cream cheese frosting onto each roll individually to create a lovely swirl effect that makes each serving feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will preserve their softness and freshness beautifully, ready for a quick snack or breakfast treat.

Freezing

These sweet rolls freeze exceptionally well before baking. Simply wrap the assembled, unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, allow to rise, then bake as usual for freshly baked goodness anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, warm rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes covered loosely with foil so they don’t dry out. You can also microwave individual rolls for seconds, then add a fresh spread of frosting if desired to restore that just-baked delight.

FAQs

Can I use dried lavender instead of lavender syrup?

Yes, you can use culinary-grade dried lavender infused in a small amount of warm water or milk. Be cautious with quantity, as lavender is potent—start with a little and adjust to taste to keep the floral notes subtle and pleasant.

What type of cream cheese works best for the frosting?

Full-fat cream cheese at room temperature yields the creamiest and richest frosting. Avoid low-fat versions for best texture and flavor balance with the lemon zest and powdered sugar.

Can I substitute frozen berries for fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work well and actually make the filling easier to prepare since they release juices quickly when heated. Just thaw them slightly and drain excess liquid if needed to avoid soggy dough.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough should roughly double in size and look puffy. A gentle poke with your finger that slowly springs back is a good sign it’s ready for the next step.

Is it possible to make these rolls vegan?

Yes, by substituting dairy milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and using a plant-based cream cheese alternative in the frosting, you can enjoy a vegan-friendly version while maintaining most of the original flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a must-make. It brings together fragrant lavender, juicy berries, and zesty lemon in a cozy roll that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I truly hope you give this recipe a try—it’s a delightful way to turn any ordinary morning into a special occasion with a homemade touch.