Lemon Sweet Rolls

Introduction

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful, soft, and fluffy treat that combine the brightness of lemon with the comforting warmth of freshly baked rolls. These sweet rolls are filled with a luscious lemon filling, rolled up into soft spirals, and topped with a creamy glaze that adds the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether served as a weekend brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, Lemon Sweet Rolls are sure to impress and satisfy every citrus lover. These rolls have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are wonderfully fragrant, making them the perfect way to brighten up any day.

I remember the first time I made these for a family brunch. The smell of fresh lemon filling the house was so inviting, and when we dug in, the rolls were so soft and tangy with that perfect glaze—it was an instant hit! The combination of sweet and tart made them feel like a special treat, and everyone kept coming back for more. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for creating a warm, joyful moment with loved ones, whether it’s for a casual weekend gathering or a celebration. The way these rolls make the whole house smell is just as unforgettable as the first bite!

Perfect for:

• Brunches and weekend breakfasts
• Celebrating special occasions
• Family gatherings
• Citrus lovers
• Afternoon tea

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Lemon Sweet Rolls will become your new favorite treat:

• Fresh Lemon Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice in both the filling and glaze provide a vibrant, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the rolls.
• Soft and Fluffy: These rolls have a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth, creating the perfect balance between sweet and light.
• Simple Yet Elegant: These rolls are easy to make but look and taste like they came from a bakery, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
• Perfect Glaze: The creamy lemon glaze adds a delicious touch of sweetness and tang, perfectly complementing the rich, buttery rolls.
• Versatile: Ideal for any occasion, from a casual breakfast to a celebratory dessert.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including resting time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour (for dough rise)
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12 rolls
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Lemon Sweet Rolls:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise, giving the rolls their light, fluffy texture.
• Whole Milk: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough, contributing to its softness.
• Fresh Lemon: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the filling and glaze, making these rolls irresistibly fresh.
• Butter: Used in both the dough and the filling for richness and to help create that tender, soft texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the filling, helping to balance the tanginess of the lemon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Lemon Sweet Rolls:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk (about 110°F) and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

5. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, lemon zest, softened butter, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Rolls:

6. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a rectangle about 12×8 inches.
7. Spread the Lemon Filling: Evenly spread the lemon filling over the surface of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border along the edges.
8. Roll Up the Dough: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one long edge. Slice the roll into 12 even pieces.
9. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolled pieces in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
10. Let the Rolls Rise: Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Bake the Rolls:

11. Bake: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
12. Cool: Allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Make the Lemon Glaze:

13. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth. If you like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
14. Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, letting it soak into the top. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

How to Serve

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve the rolls with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• As a Brunch Dish: Perfect for a weekend brunch alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt.
• For Dessert: Serve after dinner with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful finish to any meal.
• As a Snack: Great for a quick pick-me-up with a glass of milk or lemonade.
• Garnish with Mint: For a fresh pop of color and flavor, top the rolls with a sprig of mint before serving.

Additional Tips

• Soft Rolls: Be sure to let the dough rise fully to achieve light, fluffy rolls.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room-temperature butter and eggs to ensure the dough rises properly.
• Don’t Overfill: Spread the filling evenly, but avoid overstuffing the dough to ensure easy rolling.
• Chill the Dough: If you prefer to prepare these rolls ahead of time, refrigerate the dough overnight before the second rise.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls
2. Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls
3. Strawberry Lemon Sweet Rolls
4. Lemon Cream Cheese Sweet Rolls
5. Lemon and Raspberry Sweet Rolls
6. Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls (use dairy-free butter and milk)
7. Lemon Coconut Sweet Rolls
8. Lemon Cinnamon Rolls (add cinnamon to the filling)
9. Lemon Almond Sweet Rolls
10. Lemon and Pistachio Sweet Rolls

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze the rolls, allow them to cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
• Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge.

Special Equipment

• Electric mixer (optional for kneading)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Rolling pin
• Citrus zester

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate overnight.
2. Can I use a different filling? Yes, try a cinnamon-sugar filling for a different flavor.
3. Can I make these without yeast? Use a quick dough recipe with baking powder as a substitute.
4. How can I make them dairy-free? Use dairy-free butter and milk in the dough and glaze.
5. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, freeze the dough before baking for up to a month.

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Conclusion

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a soft, fluffy texture and a burst of fresh citrus flavor. These rolls are a perfect way to brighten up any morning, whether for a casual breakfast, a special occasion, or just as a sweet indulgence.

The light, pillowy dough is swirled with a zesty lemon filling, and topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tangy citrus notes. Serve them warm, and you’ll have the most irresistible morning treat.

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with more or less lemon depending on your preference, making it a versatile option for any lemon lover. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, Lemon Sweet Rolls are sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your day.

I’d love to see how your Lemon Sweet Rolls turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!