Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Bright, fluffy, and irresistibly tangy, Lemon Sweet Rolls are the kind of treat that make you want to jump out of bed in the morning! Each soft swirl combines pillowy yeast dough with a burst of lemon-sugar filling and is finished with a dreamy lemon glaze. Perfect for brunches, spring celebrations, or whenever you need a bit of sunshine on your table, these Lemon Sweet Rolls take a classic pastry and give it a citrusy twist that’s absolutely impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something almost magical about how humble ingredients come together to create Lemon Sweet Rolls. Each component plays a special part in building those layers of softness, sweetness, and zingy lemon flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need—and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, giving structure while staying tender and light.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the filling, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Active dry yeast: The secret behind that satisfying rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes the other flavors pop and keeps the dough from tasting flat.
- Warm milk: Adds richness and encourages the yeast to bloom; make sure it’s warm, not hot!
- Unsalted butter: Melted in the dough for tenderness, and softened in the filling for creamy decadence.
- Large egg: Brings extra richness and helps bind the dough together.
- Lemon zest: Infused in the filling and the glaze for a zip of natural citrus aroma (use fresh lemons for best flavor).
- Powdered sugar: Key for a dreamy glaze that melts perfectly over the warm rolls.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the glaze and amplifies the citrus profile.
How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then mix until a soft, shaggy dough forms. Knead everything together—by hand or using a stand mixer with a dough hook—until your dough is silky smooth and a bit elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let the dough rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours). Watching the dough puff up is always a bit of kitchen magic!
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While your dough is rising, get the filling ready! Blend together softened butter, sugar, and plenty of fresh lemon zest in a small bowl. The mixture should look creamy and smell like a lemon grove—super fragrant and inviting. This citrusy spread is the secret to those gorgeous swirls inside every Lemon Sweet Roll.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Punch down your risen dough to deflate it, then roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the lemon filling gently and evenly across the dough, right up to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, then slice into 12 even pieces—sharp knife or floss works wonders here!
Step 4: Second Rise
Arrange your cut rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover them up and let them rise again somewhere warm for 30 to 45 minutes, until they’re puffed and snug against each other. This second proof ensures your Lemon Sweet Rolls bake up extra soft and pull apart beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls finish rising. Slide the pan onto the center rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The tops should turn a light golden color, and your kitchen will fill with the most citrusy, buttery aroma imaginable. Resist the urge to dig in immediately—you’ll want to add that luscious glaze!
Step 6: Make and Add the Glaze
While the rolls are still a little warm, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and additional zest to make a thick, pourable glaze. Drizzle it generously over the rolls so it melts into every crevice. The aroma and shine are all part of the Lemon Sweet Rolls experience. Serve warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
A few extra flourishes can turn your Lemon Sweet Rolls from delicious to dazzling! Sprinkle with a little more fresh lemon zest, add some edible flowers for a special brunch, or dust lightly with powdered sugar just before serving. Even a handful of crushed freeze-dried raspberries sprinkled on top brings a pop of color and tartness.
Side Dishes
Lemon Sweet Rolls are wonderful with a cup of strong coffee, but they’re also right at home alongside a bowl of fresh berries, a vibrant fruit salad, or a creamy yogurt parfait. For a full brunch spread, serve with scrambled eggs or a light frittata—something savory to balance the sweet and citrus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, arrange your rolls on a pretty cake stand and serve family-style at the table, letting everyone pull apart their own swirl. For special occasions, wrap individual Lemon Sweet Rolls in parchment with twine for an adorable edible gift, or bake them in muffin tins for perfectly portioned treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers, store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them extra soft, you can cover them with a clean kitchen towel before sealing the container or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap.
Freezing
Lemon Sweet Rolls freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag or airtight container. You can freeze them glazed or unglazed for up to three months; just thaw at room temperature or gently warm from frozen.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked softness, simply reheat individual rolls in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or warm the whole tray in a 325°F oven until heated through. If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw first, then warm up as desired. A touch more glaze after reheating never hurts!
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Sweet Rolls overnight?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. That way, your Lemon Sweet Rolls are perfectly fresh for breakfast or brunch.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast using the same amount. Just skip the activation step (no need to proof the yeast) and mix it directly with your dry ingredients. The rise times may be a little shorter, so keep an eye on your dough’s progress.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons, taking only the bright yellow part and avoiding the bitter white pith. Zest your lemons right before using for maximum flavor and aromatic oils in your Lemon Sweet Rolls.
Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Of course! Lemon pairs beautifully with a touch of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of finely chopped strawberries, or even a handful of poppy seeds in the filling for added texture. Just don’t overwhelm the star citrus flavor.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap the milk for almond or oat milk, and use a vegan butter alternative. The dough may rise a little differently, but your Lemon Sweet Rolls will still be tangy, sweet, and totally delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of waking up to a kitchen filled with sunshine, these Lemon Sweet Rolls are about to become your new favorite way to start the day. Their easy, homemade joy and that unbeatable citrus aroma make them truly unforgettable. Give them a try and share the magic—you’ll be asked for the recipe every time!
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Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful citrus-infused treat that is perfect for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a lemony sugar mixture and topped with a tangy lemon glaze, these sweet rolls are bursting with bright flavors.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- zest of 2 lemons
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise until doubled.
- Make the filling: Combine softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Roll out the dough: Flatten dough, spread filling, roll into a log, and slice into pieces.
- Rise and bake: Place rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake until golden.
- Glaze and serve: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- For extra citrus punch, add lemon extract to the glaze.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated for a quick treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1.5 to 2 hours rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
