Get ready to brighten your morning or sweeten your afternoon with this irresistible Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe. These tender, fluffy rolls swirl with a vibrant lemon filling that is both tangy and sweet, perfectly complemented by a silky lemon glaze that melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a delightful balance of citrusy freshness and soft, buttery dough—a combination that just feels like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, or a special treat, this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite for family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to create these unforgettable rolls. Each one plays an important role in guaranteeing the perfect texture, flavor, and that inviting golden color that makes these rolls so appealing.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure while keeping it soft and tender.
- Active dry yeast: Essential for that fluffy rise and airy texture we all love in sweet rolls.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the dough and filling, balancing the tart lemon perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Warm milk: Activates the yeast and enriches the dough’s softness.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both dough and filling for luscious richness and moisture.
- Large egg: Binds the dough, adding a lovely tender crumb.
- Lemon zest and juice: The stars of the recipe, delivering unmistakable citrus punch in both the filling and glaze.
- Powdered sugar: For that smooth, sweet glaze that perfectly finishes each roll.
How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Start by whisking warm milk, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large bowl or stand mixer. This mixture needs to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy and alive, indicating the yeast is perfectly activated and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add the melted butter, egg, salt, and most of the flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms, then gradually add the remaining flour while kneading until the dough turns smooth and elastic—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key for a tender crumb and perfect roll structure.
Step 3: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—about one hour. This rising time allows the dough to become light, airy, and full of flavor.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
While the dough is rising, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This luscious, tangy filling is packed with citrus flavor that will make these rolls stand out at any table.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
After the dough has doubled, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly to every corner, ensuring each bite will burst with vibrant lemon sweetness.
Step 6: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log, then slice it into 12 equal rolls. This part is fun—seeing those swirled layers come to life.
Step 7: Second Rise
Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, cover, and let them rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until puffy and soft. This final rise ensures the rolls bake up beautifully fluffy and tender.
Step 8: Bake and Glaze
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown and perfectly cooked. Allow them to cool slightly before whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest for the glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls, letting the glaze melt perfectly into every swirl.
How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, dust the rolls with a little powdered sugar or sprinkle some additional lemon zest on top. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely green contrast and a subtle freshness that complements the lemony goodness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair these rolls with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. A side of fresh berries or a light fruit salad brightens up the plate and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the rolls in a rustic basket lined with a cheerful linen napkin to create a cozy, welcoming vibe. Alternatively, present them on a pretty cake stand for a more elegant brunch setup that will wow your guests and make the Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe the centerpiece of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain softness. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Freezing
To enjoy later, wrap the unglazed rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently before glazing.
Reheating
Reheat your rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as the texture may become chewy.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemons?
Yes, lemon extract can be used to enhance the lemon flavor, especially in the glaze. Start with a few drops and adjust to taste, but fresh zest and juice will always provide the brightest, freshest flavor.
Is it okay to use all bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While bread flour can give a chewier texture, it may make the rolls denser. For the soft, tender rolls described in this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe, all-purpose flour is the best choice.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise a bit before baking the next morning for fresh, morning rolls with minimal effort.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?
You can use any similarly sized baking dish or a round cake pan. Just make sure the rolls have a bit of space to expand during the second rise and baking.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
The rolls should be golden brown on top and feel springy to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of a roll; if it comes out clean, they are ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about homemade sweet rolls, especially when brightened with the fresh zing of lemon. This Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender, buttery dough and lively citrus filling, making it a joy to bake and even more delightful to eat. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a new staple for any cozy morning or special occasion!
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Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rising times)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a bright and tangy twist on classic sweet rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with a luscious lemon butter filling, then topped with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine the comforting richness of buttery pastry with the refreshing vibrancy of fresh lemon zest and juice.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
Lemon Filling
- â…“ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Activate yeast: In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make dough: Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2½ cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms, then gradually knead in the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 6–8 minutes.
- First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare filling: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create the lemon filling spread.
- Shape rolls: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the lemon filling over the dough. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log, then cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the glaze.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an extra lemony punch, add a few drops of lemon extract to the glaze.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before shaping, refrigerate, and bake fresh the next morning for convenience and freshness.
