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Lemon Sweet Rolls

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  • Author: ChefEmma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy rolls swirled with a tangy lemon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. Bright and refreshing, they’re perfect for brunch, spring gatherings, or a cheerful morning treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the dough:
  • 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • For the lemon filling:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add remaining sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. In a small bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest for the filling. Set aside.
  5. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter over dough, then sprinkle lemon sugar evenly on top.
  6. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
  9. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest for the glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Use a dental floss or serrated knife to cleanly slice the dough into rolls.
  • For an extra citrus punch, add lemon extract to the glaze.
  • Can be prepared the night before and baked the next morning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg