These Lemon Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and bright, tangy lemon glaze. With a slight tartness and just the right amount of sweetness, they make an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to add a little sunshine to your day. Easy to make and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite!
Personal Story & Background:
I’ve always had a soft spot for citrus desserts—there’s something about the tangy sweetness of lemon that just brightens everything. I first decided to make these Lemon Rolls one rainy morning when I was craving something fresh and sweet to lift my spirits. As soon as they started baking, the smell of lemon filled the house and it was like a little slice of summer on a dreary day. These rolls quickly became a go-to recipe in my kitchen, and I’ve made them for everything from casual family breakfasts to special occasions. What I love most about these rolls is how the lemon flavor is both refreshing and comforting, making them perfect for any time of year.
Ingredient Notes:
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives the dough its soft texture. You can use bread flour for a slightly chewier roll, but all-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe.
- Yeast: Active dry yeast is used to make the dough rise and become light and fluffy. Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best results!
- Sugar: You’ll need sugar to sweeten both the dough and the lemon glaze. It balances out the tanginess of the lemon and adds to the rich, soft texture of the rolls.
- Butter: Butter is essential for making the dough soft and tender. It also adds flavor to the rolls. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it incorporates easily into the dough.
- Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice are the stars of this recipe, infusing the dough with a bright, citrusy flavor. Don’t skip the zest—it adds such a lovely aromatic kick to the rolls.
- Eggs: The eggs help enrich the dough and give it a beautiful texture.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the dough and helps create that soft, pillowy texture that makes these rolls irresistible.
- Cream Cheese: For the glaze, cream cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) in the dough. You can also substitute the cream cheese in the glaze for a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that the yeast is gluten-free as well.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a small bowl, warm the milk until it’s just lukewarm (about 110°F or 45°C). Sprinkle the yeast and a pinch of sugar into the warm milk, stirring to dissolve. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is activated.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture, softened butter, lemon zest, and eggs. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Drizzle lemon juice over the surface, then roll the dough up tightly from one long edge.
Step 4: Slice the Rolls
Using a sharp knife or dental floss, slice the dough into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for expansion.
Step 5: Let the Rolls Rise Again
Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, until they’ve puffed up and nearly doubled in size.
Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
While the rolls are baking, make the cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Glaze the Rolls
Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5-10 minutes. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Fresh Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If the yeast doesn’t foam in the warm milk, it means it’s no longer active, and the dough won’t rise properly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing them into the dough. This will help them incorporate more evenly and make a softer dough.
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: Allow the dough to rise twice—this gives the rolls their light, fluffy texture. Skipping this step can result in dense rolls.
Serving Suggestions:
These Lemon Rolls are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special:
- With Coffee: Serve these with your morning coffee or tea for a refreshing breakfast.
- With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad to brighten up the meal.
- For Special Occasions: These rolls make an excellent brunch or holiday treat. Serve them alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or bacon.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Fridge: Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may soften a bit, but they’ll still be delicious.
- Freezer: You can freeze the unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, then glaze after they’re warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The next morning, just shape, rise, and bake as usual.
Can I make these rolls without the cream cheese glaze?
You can skip the cream cheese glaze and substitute it with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Be sure to cover the rolls with a kitchen towel while they rise, and don’t overbake them. If they’re golden brown on top but still soft in the middle, they’re ready to come out.
Conclusion:
These Lemon Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and the soft, fluffy texture makes them irresistible. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, these rolls are sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite. I hope you enjoy baking them as much as I do—and feel free to get creative with the glaze or toppings. Let me know how they turn out!
Print
Lemon Rolls: A Zesty, Sweet Delight
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12–16 rolls (adjusted to serve more) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with a tender yeast dough and swirled with a sweet-tangy lemon filling, they are topped with a creamy lemon glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are a delightful treat that will brighten any day!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
For the Filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Warm the milk to about 110°F and mix with yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, butter, eggs, and lemon zest.
- Knead for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling & Shape Rolls
- Roll out the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the top.
- Roll the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 14–16 rolls.
Step 3: Second Rise & Bake
- Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
Step 4: Make the Glaze & Serve
- Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months; warm before glazing.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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