Description
Lavender Berry Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls filled with a fragrant and tangy blend of blueberries, blackberries, and lavender syrup. Topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese frosting, these sweet rolls offer a delightful balance of floral, fruity, and citrus flavors, making them perfect for brunch or a cozy dessert.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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
Lavender Berry Filling
- 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
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (packed)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Bring the milk to a boil over medium-high heat and remove from heat immediately. Alternatively, heat in the microwave until boiling (~2 minutes).
- Mix Butter into Milk: Pour the hot milk into a stand mixer bowl and stir in the butter until melted.
- Add Sugar and Cool: Whisk in granulated sugar and allow the mixture to cool to just warm or room temperature.
- Activate Yeast: Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the egg, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking to combine.
- Add Flour and Knead: Gradually add flour starting with 1 cup, mixing with the dough hook at speed 2. Continue adding up to 2¼ cups until dough pulls away from bowl sides but remains slightly sticky. Mix for about 5 minutes.
- First Rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare Lavender Berry Filling: Combine blueberries, blackberries, brown sugar, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring until berries soften, burst, and mixture thickens. Cool completely.
- Shape the Rolls: Turn risen dough onto a floured surface. Fold into thirds, flip, fold again, then roll into a 12×16 inch rectangle.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cooled lavender berry filling over the dough, leaving about 1 inch of empty space along one long edge.
- Roll and Cut: Starting at the filled edge, roll the dough tightly towards the clean edge. Cut into 9 even rolls with a sharp knife or floss.
- Arrange Rolls: Place the rolls evenly spaced in a greased 9-inch round pan.
- Second Rise (Bake Right Away): Cover and let rolls rise 20-30 minutes while preheating oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Bake rolls for 25-30 minutes until tops are lightly golden.
- Alternatively – Refrigerate for Later Baking: Cover rolls and refrigerate for 1-2 days.
- Bake from Cold: When ready, let rolls rise at room temperature while preheating oven to 350°F, then bake 25-35 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and lemon zest, mixing well.
- Frost Rolls: Spread frosting on warm rolls immediately after baking and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen berries for the filling; if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Lavender syrup adds a unique floral note; if unavailable, substitute with a few drops of lavender extract carefully.
- The dough should be slightly sticky but workable; add flour gradually to achieve this texture.
- Ensure milk is not too hot before adding yeast to avoid killing the yeast.
- For softer rolls, avoid over-baking; check for light golden tops.
- Frosting is best applied while rolls are still warm for easier spreading and better flavor melding.
- These rolls can be stored covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
