There are days when I just can’t stop myself. A dozen muffins. A batch of cinnamon rolls. A pot of black bean soup. I woke up yesterday with the firm belief that my kitchen could solve most, if not all, of my ills. Several hours later, after bowls had been washed at least two or three times and my counter was covered with cooling racks, I sat down to write this post. And sure enough, I felt far better than I had first thing that morning.
Ryan and I are still adjusting to Colorado’s weather, and it has been too cold for my liking the past few weeks. Granted, most of my winter clothes no longer fit (thanks Lucy!) so bundling up has been a challenge. In Austin, Ryan and I would walk constantly. We’d walk to the store, we’d walk to dinner, we’d walk when we woke up, and we’d walk before we went to bed. I’m beginning to realize how much I miss Austin’s more temperate weather!
But…thankfully the colder weather does encourage my other coping mechanism–baking. Because there’s nothing like looking out of your kitchen window to see birds float down just as gracefully as the snow falling. Couple that sight with the smell of your first batch of cookies in the oven and you’re pretty close to heaven.
At our last hypnobirthing class we talked about what our babies experience in the womb. I was reminded how important it is to handle stress in positive ways. When I get upset or angry, my baby receives some of those stress hormones through my placenta. Likewise, when I do something I love (walking, baking, talking to Ryan or my mom) Lucy receives the same feel-good endorphins that I do. So today, as I processed change and uncertainty, I wielded a wooden spoon. When my mind grew cluttered with all the things still left undone, I remembered that this was the time for Lucy and me to unwind and take care of ourselves.
What came from my relaxation therapy today? These beautiful and moist blueberry “cinnamon” rolls. I took my favorite breakfast pastry dough and added a generous helping of frozen blueberries. Instead of the typical brown-sugar/cinnamon combo, I brushed melted butter, lemon juice, and granulated sugar over my rectangle of dough. Carefully, I rolled it into a long log which was then cut into twelve equal pieces. The smells that wafted from my oven were like the best of both worlds. The warmth of winter coupled with the freshness of summer.
Blueberry “Cinnamon” Rolls
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup butter, melted
Juice from one lemon
1/2 cup granulated sugar
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. In a small saucepan, heat the buttermilk until warm to the touch.
In the bowl of your stand mixer, combine buttermilk, and yeast mixture; mix well. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda. Stir the flour mixture into the liquid 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Add in frozen blueberries. Knead dough with dough hook for 5-8minutes. Alternately, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes. In a small bowl, stir together the butter and lemon juice.
On a well-floured surface, roll dough out into a large rectangle. Spread the lemon butter mixture over the dough and sprinkle generously with granulated sugar. Roll up into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Slice into 1 inch pieces and place cut side up in a lightly greased 10×15 baking pan. Cover and let rise 30 minutes or cover and refrigerate overnight. If baking immediately, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Meanwhile, make glaze. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 4-6 teaspoons of lemon juice. Once rolls are finished baking, pour glaze over top. Let stand for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Yum. I definitely want to give these rolls a try!
What a nice, calming treat for you, Ryan, and especially Lucy who is feeling all those positive vibes from you! This is a beautiful batch of cinnamon rolls, Monet. Perfect for sharing with family over the weekend. Thanks for sharing!
These look delicious! I am pregnant, too, and have been baking up a storm. I didn’t understand it but you’ve hit the nail on the head… makes me happy and destresses me… always has. Looking forward to making these, hope you’re feeling well!
Monet,
Your rolls look like pure comfort food to me. Baking for me has always been my “therapy”. By the amount of baking that I do, I need a lot of therapy:) You can just get “lost” in the recipe and process.
Happy Baking!
I hope you have more days like THIS!
What a delicious treat and a great way to have some cheap therapy.
Keep stress free and keep baking Monet!
These sound amazing.
I’ve always found baking to be so soothing. There’s just something comforting about it. I don’t bake nearly as much as I’d like (my place is too small and the oven makes it so hot in there), but I always find that I feel so much better after baking something than I did before.
these are just gorgeous! like you, i use baking as stress therapy – so relaxing and then you get to eat some deliciousness!
Ooh, these look just wonderful! And I couldn’t agree more how relaxing and de-stresing baking is. =)
I love the addition of blueberries to cinnamon rolls. I love cinnamon rolls and would love to try this recipe.
These look sooo fabulous! What an awesome recipe!
I really appreciate the winter/summer blend here. This looks lovely and somehow the blueberries and lemon really lighten things up =)
Sounds like good therapy to me! I love how you incorporated fruit into these – I’ll be they’re just delicious.
Hope you’re feeling better.
Colorado gets CHILLY in the winter! I’m from the mountains and am accustomed to cold weaher and even I freeze my booty off when I visit Colorado in the winter. It’s definitely tough getting used to a harsh winter when you’re used to being able to be out and about in the sunshine year round. Austin is a wonderful city but I bet you’ll love CO once you settle in 🙂 These blueberry rolls look like the perfect cozy bun to warm the belly and soul. Love the zesty lemon glaze – my family would go nuts over these! Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my blog! You’re truly a sweetheart!
I love the delicious blueberry cinnamon combination in this 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
These look so scrumptious! I love the generous layer of icing on them 😀
Oh these look so delicious! I can imagine how good they smelled in your kitchen, especially with it being so cold outside.
Enjoy this time before baby… I speak from experience, depending on how many little ones you have this quiet moment may not be repeated for another 20 years or so :0!
But it is all good fun 😉
Hello! I recently just started a youtube Korean food channel, EasyKoreanFood, where you can learn how to make fast and easy Korean food! It would mean the world to me if you took the time to check it out because I’m just starting out! Thanks!
Wow Monet…these rolls sound amazing! I love the blueberry filling, it would remind me of summer which I need right now! Hope you have a fantabulous weekend :)!
Oh Monet, this looks SO good! I have no idea why I have never thought of putting blueberries into cinnamon rolls before. Genius. I am totally going to try this out.
I am so jealous that you had the ability to walk everywhere. I haven’t had that since I lived in Kansas City. Living on the east coast now for so long, you kind of just get used the fact that you have to drive everywhere. haha
Have a great weekend!
This is SUCH a brilliant idea! They look absolutely delicious. Your kitchen window scene of birds flying and snow falling sounds magical.
I’ve just now discovered the feel-good rush a great yoga session can provide, and I’ve been wishing I’d found a prenatal yoga class when I was pregnant! Then again, I’m not sure my hips would have allowed it … pregnancy can be rough!
I need to start doing prenatal yoga. My cousin (also pregnant) has been doing a class, and she loves it. I’ll let you know how it goes!
I love the idea of switching up classic cinnamon rolls with blueberry. Just imagine the bursts of berry flavor! Well, I guess you don’t actually have to imagine. 🙂 Baking as therapy sounds right up my alley.
There was a bakery in my small town of Brenham, Texas that used to sell these and they were hands down the best rolls I’ve have EVER had in my life. I am so excited to try these. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! How cool is that? I hope they live up to the ones you had in Brenham. Let me know how the recipe turns out 🙂
I’m a cold weather wimp. Maybe I should try more baking. GREG
I’m so glad baking is a fail-proof way to get those feel-good endorphins moving 🙂 I love making scones, muffins, and oat bars in particular when I’m feeling blah (probably because those are my favorite things to eat, too 😉 ). There’s just something about the rhythm of baking and the smell of fresh-baked eats that chases the blues away.
I hope you feel better, Monet!
Blueberries are one of my favorite ingredients in baked goods. The pictures of your rolls look so good I feel like I can taste them.
I love how you mentioned our baby can feel what we are feeling. I think it is similar when children are out of the womb too. They are very sensitive to our energy. I’ve noticed that many times with my kids.
I hope you have a beautiful weekend Mama!
Wow… You are baking a lot these days!!! These blueberry rolls look so good. These is a lot of snow here in Sweden too and it is cold… I totally understand how you feel, this weather makes me want to be in the kitchen all the time.
Have a nice weekend!
Ciao
I’d trade blueberries for cinnamon any day.
I love making (and eating) cinnamon rolls! I’ve never thought of subbing in blueberries before… yum. Baking sounds like a great form of stress therapy for moms and babies. 🙂
I just made these! Turned out really great. Thanks for the recipe!
There is nothing like baking, or cooking in my case, to relax you. I swear it’s like therapy. Hopefully spring will come early so you and Ryan can do more walking. Then there’ll be Lucy to join you.:) The rolls look amazing Monet. Thanks for sharing and take care sweetie.
Whenever you describe your time in the kitchen you make me want to run into mine and do exactly what you’re doing! I don’t think I could make as beautiful rolls as these but they sound amazing!
Monet, These rolls look delightful! I imagine little Lucy is very happy when you ingest these. She’s probably going to be a champion baker just like her mom 🙂
Dear Monet, You are absolutely correct. Take good care of yourself and Lucy. Remember to take care now and when the baby comes. It is important that you are happy and healthy.
I am so happy for you.
Your baking would make anyone smile. It looks very delicious!
I want to thank you for your visits and your kind and encouraging words. xoxo and blessings, Catherine
I’m not much of a baker, but my wife is, and baking is one of her favorite stress reducers! Frankly, doing anything in the kitchen is a nice stress reducer, IMO – plus at the end, you have something really good to eat. Like these wonderful looking blueberry cinnamon rolls – these look terrific! Good stuff – thanks.
These blueberry rolls look decadent and yummy. Definitely my kind of comfort food. And I don’t like cold weather too….hope you’re staying dry and warm. I love baking too and it is definitely therapeutic for me. Good you found ways to relax, unwind and think positive. 🙂
Blueberry cinnamon rolls are such a great idea and a change from the classic. I’m sure they both brighten up and ease the day 🙂
p.s. yoga indeed does wonders to relaxation and does acupuncture.
Lovely rolls, Monet! Love that you used blueberries! I’ve just posted a blueberry cake today!
Keep warm and have a great week!
These rolls are definitely a great version of regular cinnamon rolls! Love the vibrant color peeking from rolls! I love baking in Winter more, I feel it brings warmth inside our home. I wonder if I can handle these when our son is born. Also, cooking and baking are great activities for pregnants! I’m sure Lucy will help you in the kitchen in the future too!
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Until now I’ve never seen blueberries in cinnamon rolls! WOW I love it even more… I will endure cold weather and live with you (you need a helper?) if I can have these BLUEBERRY cinnamon rolls! One day I’ll work on cinnamon rolls and I will be sure to add blueberries. This is the best cinnamon rolls I’ve seen!
Oh, I love this flavor combination: they look scrumptious!
that’s absolutely fascinating about babies receiving ’emotional’ hormones through the placenta, I’d never thought about that before. I love how you’ve used blueberries instead of raisins here (I’m not a fan of the latter!). I wish the weather was nicer where I live I would love to go on more walks but it’s always wet here!
Ooh these look so good! I’ve never tried making cinnamon rolls, but really want to try these ones!
oh, those rolls look so delicious! i am definitely going to make them. baking is my therapy too. it destresses me and makes me happy. i’ve made a similar roll in the past, but for the filling i used cream cheese and raspberries (a knock-out combination!).
If you refrigerate them overnight how long do you need to let them sit out before baking?
Thanks. I am planning on making them for breakfast tomorrow!
You don’t say when to add the oil. I assume you add it with the buttermilk and yeast and mix then add dry?
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