Blackberry Sweet Rolls

Fluffy, Fruity, and Irresistibly Sweet

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, fresh-baked rolls filled with fruit and drizzled with glaze. Our blackberry sweet rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough, slightly tart blackberries, and just the right amount of sweetness. They are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy dessert treat.

These sweet rolls are made from scratch with a lightly enriched yeast dough, rolled around a fresh blackberry filling, and finished with a simple glaze that enhances the fruit’s natural flavor. They rival bakery rolls without any complicated techniques or ingredients.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special weekend breakfast, or a brunch gathering, these blackberry sweet rolls are a showstopper.

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Why Blackberries Work So Well in Sweet Rolls

Blackberries are plump, juicy, and slightly tart, which pairs beautifully with:

• Soft, buttery yeast dough
• Sweet glaze or icing
• Optional cinnamon or vanilla flavors

The natural juices of blackberries meld with the dough during baking, creating a beautiful swirl of flavor and color inside each roll. Unlike overly sweet fillings, blackberries add balance and a hint of tart freshness.

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🍇 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup whole milk (warm)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 1½ cups fresh blackberries (can use frozen, thawed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness of berries)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Optional toppings: extra fresh blackberries or a sprinkle of coarse sugar

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🥖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and yeast mixture. Mix until dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
5. Prepare Filling: In a small bowl, mash blackberries slightly with sugar, lemon zest, and softened butter.
6. Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the blackberry mixture evenly over the dough.
7. Starting at the long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal.
8. Cut into 12 even rolls and place in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Cover and let rise 30–40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake rolls for 25–28 minutes until golden brown.
10. Prepare Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
11. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve fresh with extra blackberries if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Blackberry Sweet Rolls

• Thick filling: Mash blackberries lightly and strain excess juice if too watery.
• Prevent soggy bottoms: Use a greased pan or line with parchment.
• Sweetness adjustment: Tart berries may require slightly more sugar.
• Optional spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth.
• Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated overnight after the first rise; allow to come to room temperature before rolling.

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Variations You’ll Love

Blackberry Cream Cheese Rolls

Add softened cream cheese to the filling for a rich, tangy contrast.

Lemon-Blackberry Rolls

Add a little lemon juice to the glaze for extra brightness.

Mixed Berry Rolls

Combine raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a colorful twist.

Mini Rolls

Divide dough into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats—perfect for parties.

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Serving Suggestions

• Warm with a cup of coffee or tea
• Pair with whipped cream for dessert
• Perfect for brunch buffets or holiday breakfasts
• Great for gifting—wrap a pan in parchment for a thoughtful homemade treat

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days, reheat gently in oven or microwave
• Freeze baked rolls for up to 3 months; thaw and warm before serving
• You can also freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and thaw for baking later

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Why This Recipe Works

• Fluffy yeast dough with soft texture
• Balanced tart and sweet filling
• Quick glaze enhances fruit flavor
• Fully customizable for holiday, brunch, or everyday indulgence

These rolls strike the perfect balance between bakery-style indulgence and homemade comfort.

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Fun Fact

Sweet rolls have been a part of European baking for centuries, evolving from simple enriched dough to modern filled versions with fruit, nuts, and spices. Blackberries, abundant in late summer, are a natural choice for a fresh, vibrant filling that’s both visually stunning and delicious.