There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of sweet rolls baking in the oven. The buttery dough, the hint of cinnamon, and the promise of a sticky, fruity filling create anticipation long before the first bite. These Blackberry Sweet Rolls take everything you love about classic cinnamon rolls and elevate them with juicy blackberries that melt into a jammy, tangy-sweet swirl. The result? A bakery-style pastry that’s tender, fragrant, and bursting with color and flavor.

Perfect for weekend brunch, special holidays, or simply treating yourself, these rolls strike the ideal balance between rich and fresh. The dough is soft and pillowy, the blackberry filling is bright and slightly tart, and the vanilla glaze ties it all together with creamy sweetness. If you’ve been looking for a fruit-forward twist on traditional sweet rolls, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Blackberry Sweet Rolls

Fluffy, tender dough that stays soft for days
Fresh blackberry filling with natural sweetness and tang
Perfect for make-ahead brunches or freezer-friendly baking
Visually stunning with deep purple swirls and glossy glaze
Crowd-pleasing flavor combo: berry + cinnamon + vanilla

These aren’t just rolls—they’re a full sensory experience.

Ingredients

For the Dough

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg

For the Blackberry Filling

2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

For the Vanilla Glaze

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

Instructions

Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix well. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
Knead
Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Prepare the Blackberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook until thick and jammy. Cool completely.
Roll the Dough
Roll risen dough into a 14×10-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over the surface.
Add Filling
Spread cooled blackberry mixture evenly over the dough. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Shape the Rolls
Roll dough tightly from the long side. Slice into 12 even pieces.
Second Rise
Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise 30 minutes.
Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Glaze & Serve
Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Rolls

Use room-temperature ingredients for best dough texture.
Don’t skip cooling the filling—hot filling will melt the butter and make rolling messy.
Slice rolls with unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
Bake until just golden—overbaking dries them out.

Variations

Lemon Blackberry Rolls – Add lemon zest to the dough and glaze.
Blackberry Cream Cheese Rolls – Replace glaze with cream cheese frosting.
Mixed Berry Rolls – Use raspberries + blueberries with blackberries.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with hot coffee or iced latte for brunch.
Add fresh mint and extra berries on the plate for a café-style look.
Serve warm with a side of vanilla yogurt for contrast.

Fun Fact

Blackberries were once used in ancient times as natural dye thanks to their deep purple pigment—no wonder they make such dramatic, beautiful pastries today!