There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of sweet buns baking in the oven, especially when those buns are infused with fresh lemon zest and bursting with juicy blueberries. Soft & Fluffy Lemon Blueberry Swirl Buns combine everything we love about classic sweet rolls with a fresh, vibrant twist that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

These buns are pillowy soft, lightly sweetened, and swirled with a naturally tangy blueberry filling that melts into the dough as it bakes. Finished with a delicate lemon glaze, they strike the perfect balance between richness and brightness. Whether you’re baking for a relaxed weekend breakfast, a brunch gathering, or simply to treat yourself, these buns deliver bakery-quality results without complicated techniques.

This recipe was developed to be approachable for home bakers while still producing professional-level texture and flavor. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by yeast doughs, this is a wonderful recipe to build confidence. The dough is forgiving, easy to work with, and incredibly rewarding once baked.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Blueberry Swirl Buns

Ultra-soft texture: Thanks to enriched dough with butter and milk
Bright, fresh flavor: Real lemon zest and blueberries shine through
Visually stunning: Beautiful purple swirls make them perfect for sharing
Versatile: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or gifting
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning

These buns feel special without being overly sweet, making them perfect alongside coffee or tea.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Blueberry Swirl Filling

1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
⅓ cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add melted butter, egg, lemon zest, vanilla, and salt. Mix until combined.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
While dough rises, prepare the blueberry filling: cook blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until berries burst.
Stir cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the blueberry mixture. Cook until thickened. Cool completely.
Roll risen dough into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Spread blueberry filling evenly over dough.
Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 9–12 buns.
Arrange buns in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden.
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm buns before serving.

Tips for Perfectly Fluffy Buns

Use room-temperature ingredients for even dough development
Don’t overfill with blueberry mixture to prevent leaking
Let buns cool slightly before glazing for best texture

Flavor Variations

Add cream cheese to the filling for richness
Swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries
Use orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with coffee, tea, or fresh fruit. These buns also pair beautifully with yogurt or a light citrus salad for brunch.

Fun Baking Fact

Lemon and blueberry is one of the most popular fruit pairings in American baking, thanks to the way citrus enhances berry sweetness naturally.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. You can also refrigerate unbaked buns overnight and bake fresh in the morning.