Now, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. Meanwhile, let’s prepare the cream cheese filling. In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s creamy and smooth—trust me, the aroma is heavenly! Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread that luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough and sprinkle the blueberries on top, gently pressing them in.
Next, roll the dough tightly from one long end to the other and slice it into 12 equal rolls. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them, and let them rise again for another 30-40 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F while you wait. Once they’ve puffed up beautifully, pop those rolls into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to ensure the perfect texture and flavor. The key here is to make sure your milk is warmed just enough to activate the yeast without cooking it—110°F is ideal! Also, if you want to save time, you can prepare your dough a day ahead. Simply make the dough, cover it tightly, and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before proceeding with the rolls.
Another tip? Feel free to switch up the berries! I once made these with raspberries, and they were just as delightful. I also love adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra zing! It brightens the flavor perfectly, enhancing that delightful blueberry taste.
And finally, allow the rolls to cool for just a few minutes after removing them from the oven before digging in. I can assure you: nothing beats the bliss of enjoying them warm, straight from the oven!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake people make is not letting the dough rise sufficiently. Trust the process, and be patient—your dough needs that time to expand to achieve that soft, fluffy texture. I remember the first time I rushed this step, and the rolls turned out dense instead of light and airy.
Another pitfall is overbaking. Keep a close eye on those rolls, as they can go from beautifully golden to overly brown in a matter of seconds. Set a timer; I usually check them a couple of minutes before the recommended time.
You also want to be cautious when incorporating the blueberries; if you’re using frozen ones, make sure to let them thaw and drain excess moisture. I made the mistake of using them straight from the freezer once, and the extra liquid made my filling too runny!
And finally, don’t forget to let the cream cheese filling soften before mixing it—this tip makes a world of difference in achieving a smooth and creamy filling that spreads easily. (See the next page below to continue…)