Name: Lemon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Imagine the softest, fluffiest sweet roll you’ve ever had, now bursting with zesty, sunny citrus—these Lemon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any breakfast or brunch. The pillowy dough is spiraled with a bright, tangy-sweet lemon filling and finished with a luscious lemon glaze that dances across every bite. Whether you’re cozying up on a weekend morning or looking for a show-stopping addition to your next brunch, these Lemon Rolls deliver pure joy and just the right balance of sweet and tart in every swirl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate simplicity! Every ingredient in these Lemon Rolls plays a special role, creating a tender, flavorful pastry with a beautiful golden color and irresistible citrus aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Active dry yeast: This is the key to a wonderfully pillowy rise and the classic sweet roll texture.
Warm milk (about 110°F): Provides richness and activates the yeast—just make sure it’s warm, not hot, to keep the yeast happy.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and the filling, and helps yeast bloom.
Unsalted butter (softened): Lends a creamy, rich flavor to the dough and melts into the filling for extra tenderness.
Large egg: Adds structure and extra fluffiness to the dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the rolls light yet substantial, the backbone of your pastry.
Lemon zest: The starring ingredient! It infuses every bite with punchy, fresh citrus and that golden hue.
For the filling: Granulated sugar, lemon zest, unsalted butter (softened): Together create a sweet-tart ribbon that wakes up your taste buds.
For the glaze: Powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest: Whisked together, these make a silky glaze that soaks into the warm rolls, sending the lemon flavor over the top.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together your warm milk and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 to 10 minutes until it turns foamy and fragrant—this is a sign the yeast is alive and ready to make your Lemon Rolls deliciously fluffy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the granulated sugar, softened butter, egg, salt, and that gorgeous lemon zest to your yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, stretchy, and elastic under your hands.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is when the dough absorbs all the flavors and becomes nice and airy.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough rests, stir together the granulated sugar and lemon zest in a small bowl—the zest will release its oils, turning the sugar beautifully aromatic and yellow. This, combined with softened butter, gives every bite its jaw-dropping lemon intensity.

Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Once your dough has puffed up, gently punch it down and roll it into a rectangle about 12×16 inches on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the lemon sugar filling from corner to corner. Start from the long edge and roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise and Bake

Cover your rolls loosely and let them rise again for 30 to 45 minutes until they’re pillowy and touching each other in the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the Lemon Rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and your kitchen smells like a citrus grove in spring.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

As the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest to make a tart and sweet glaze. Drizzle generously over the warm Lemon Rolls, letting it drip seductively into the swirls. Serve and enjoy while they’re still blissfully soft.

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Garnishes

For maximum appeal, scatter a bit of extra lemon zest over the glazed rolls just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few thin lemon slices add a sunny, inviting touch that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Rolls with a fresh fruit salad, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a side of crispy bacon for a balanced brunch spread. They’re also lovely alongside a hot pot of tea, a frothy cappuccino, or even a mimosa if you’re celebrating.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack Lemon Rolls on a cake stand for a bakery-worthy display, or serve them in individual ramekins for a personalized treat. For a brunch buffet, arrange them in a circular pattern and let everyone pull one apart—watch as folks swoon over those gooey, lemon-glazed spirals.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Lemon Rolls (lucky you), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and citrusy, perfect for enjoying with an afternoon coffee break.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze baked Lemon Rolls (without glaze). Wrap them tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature and glaze just before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To refresh your Lemon Rolls, simply pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also microwave individual rolls for about 15 seconds. If glazed, cover loosely with foil to prevent the glaze from melting away.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Absolutely! Instant yeast can be swapped one-for-one and doesn’t need to be activated in warm milk. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients and continue with the recipe as written.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepping ahead is a breeze. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise before baking in the morning for the freshest Lemon Rolls ever.

What if I want extra lemon flavor?

Go for it! Add a splash of lemon extract to the dough or the glaze, or bump up the zest in both the filling and glaze for an even brighter citrus punch.

Are Lemon Rolls very sweet?

They’re beautifully balanced—the tangy lemon cuts through the sweet glaze and filling. If you love things less sweet, simply use a bit less sugar in the filling or glaze to tailor the rolls to your taste.

How do I get perfectly even rolls?

Use a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the dough log—this way, you’ll get neat, uniform Lemon Rolls every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comfort of a classic sweet roll with the bright cheer of lemon, these Lemon Rolls need to be your next baking adventure. They’re simple, impressive, and guarantee smiles all around—so gather your ingredients, trust the process, and enjoy every warm, citrusy bite!

Lemon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These delightful lemon rolls are a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy rolls with a lemon-infused filling and a tangy glaze, they are sure to brighten up your day!

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Filling:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add sugar, butter, egg, salt, and lemon zest. Mix in flour gradually until a soft dough forms.
Knead and Rise: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Let rise until doubled in size.
Make the Filling: Mix sugar and lemon zest. Roll out dough, spread butter, and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.
Shape and Bake: Roll dough, slice into rolls, place in a baking dish, and let rise. Bake until golden.
Glaze and Serve: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.