Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
If you have a soft spot for tender, citrus-kissed pastries that brighten up your mornings or any cozy moment, this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These rolls have a delightful balance of sweetness and fresh lemon zing, wrapped in pillowy dough that’s perfect for sharing. From the first bite, the combination of tangy lemon zest and buttery rolls will make you wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe promises a joyful baking experience and a delicious reward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe comes alive with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, from creating a perfect dough texture to infusing that unmistakable lemon brightness and sweet finish. You don’t need anything fancy to make these rolls truly spectacular.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons): Key to a light and fluffy dough with a perfect rise.
- Warm milk (½ cup at 110°F/45°C): Helps activate the yeast and ensures a soft crumb.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds sweetness to the dough and feeds the yeast.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Imparts richness and keeps the rolls tender.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon for icing): The star flavor that adds fresh, lively citrus notes.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Lemon extract (optional, 1 teaspoon): Boosts lemon flavor for those who want extra zing.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients and contribute to the soft texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 ½ cups): Forms the dough’s sturdy yet soft base.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Powdered sugar (¾ cup for icing): Creates a sweet, smooth glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons for icing): Adds tartness to the glaze that complements the rolls.
How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing your warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast to give your dough a beautiful, airy rise that makes these rolls irresistibly fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, optional lemon extract, and eggs. Once combined, stir in the activated yeast mixture. This blend forms the flavorful base of your dough, packing in the buttery richness and citrus charm that define this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Gradually add your flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten, essential for that perfect springy texture that makes these rolls so delightful to tear apart.
Step 4: First Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm spot. Allow it to double in size, which usually takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. This rise builds volume and develops flavor, prepping your dough for a light and tender crumb.
Step 5: Prepare for Shaping
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the dough gently, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle. Getting this shape right is key to evenly spaced rolls with lovely spirals filled with lemony goodness.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Lemon Filling
Spread softened butter all over the rolled-out dough, then sprinkle generously with sugar and lemon zest. This layer melts into the dough as it bakes, creating pockets of sweet and tangy flavor in every bite of your rolls.
Step 7: Shape the Rolls
Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log, then slice it into 12 even rolls. Arrange them snugly in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30 minutes, giving them a puffier, fluffier texture and perfect appetizing height.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. The scent of fresh-baked lemon rolls wafting from your oven is honestly one of the best kitchen moments you’ll experience with this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe.
Step 9: Make the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a vibrant glaze. This finishing touch adds a zesty, sweet drizzle that perfectly complements the soft rolls beneath.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
As soon as the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Serve them fresh and warm for an unforgettable treat that’s bursting with brightness in every bite.
How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Lemon Sweet Rolls look even more inviting, sprinkle extra lemon zest or a few finely chopped fresh mint leaves on top of the glazed rolls. The zest adds another pop of vibrant color and freshness, while mint gives a lovely herby contrast that feels like sunshine on your plate.
Side Dishes
These rolls are naturally sweet and rich, so pair them with lighter sides like a fresh berry salad or a tangy yogurt parfait for balanced flavors. A cup of your favorite tea or a bright citrus coffee also elevates the experience into a full-on refreshing breakfast or snack moment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the rolls arranged in a circle on a decorative platter, drizzled with extra glaze and dotted with edible flowers or thin lemon slices. You can also turn leftover rolls into delightful bread puddings or French toast for a creative twist on enjoying the Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any rolls leftover, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, just like when they came out of the oven. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out these delicate rolls.
Freezing
To freeze, place fully cooled rolls in a freezer-safe airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat rolls in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive their fresh-baked softness and enjoy them warm again. You can also microwave a roll for about 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method best preserves that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of warm milk?
The milk needs to be warm to activate the yeast, so room temperature or cold milk won’t work well for the rise. Warm milk around 110°F is gentle enough to wake the yeast without killing it.
Is lemon extract necessary?
Lemon extract is optional. It boosts the lemon flavor if you love a really intense citrus taste, but the zest and juice alone provide plenty of fresh lemony goodness.
Can I make the dough ahead and refrigerate it?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough after kneading. Allow it to rise slowly overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for a convenient baking schedule.
What if I don’t have lemon zest? Can I use lemon juice instead?
Lemon zest provides essential oils and bright aromatics that juice alone can’t match. If you don’t have zest, increase the lemon juice slightly but expect a less pronounced lemon flavor and texture.
How do I make sure the rolls don’t turn out dry?
Proper kneading and letting the dough rise fully are key to moist, soft rolls. Also, avoid overbaking and keep the rolls covered or wrapped after baking to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about homemade sweet rolls, especially when they carry the sunny zest of fresh lemons. This Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, flavor, and a bit of homemade magic into your kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a beloved classic for all your family and friends.
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Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and fragrant Lemon Sweet Rolls, featuring a tender dough infused with lemon zest and vanilla, baked to golden perfection and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling and Glaze Ingredients
- Softened butter (amount not specified, approximately ¼ cup for spreading)
- Sugar (amount not specified, approximately ¼ cup for sprinkling)
- Lemon zest (amount for sprinkling not specified, approximately 1-2 teaspoons)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for icing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and granulated sugar. Stir gently and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, optional lemon extract, and eggs. Add the frothy yeast mixture and mix well to combine all wet ingredients evenly.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
- Add Filling: Spread softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle sugar and lemon zest on top, distributing it evenly for a balanced flavor.
- Shape Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a cylinder. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them evenly spaced in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let the rolls rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Glaze: While the rolls are baking, combine powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: After removing the rolls from the oven, drizzle them with the prepared lemon glaze. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If lemon extract is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with an additional half teaspoon of lemon zest for enhanced flavor.
- You can soften the butter for spreading by microwaving it for 15-20 seconds or leaving it at room temperature.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- For best results, use fresh lemon zest and juice to maximize brightness and aroma.
- These rolls freeze well. Store cooled rolls in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
