Lemon Sweet Rolls

Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy pastries filled with a bright, tangy lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. These rolls are a citrusy twist on classic cinnamon rolls—light, zesty, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for spring brunches, holiday breakfasts, or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea, they’re a delicious way to brighten up your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are irresistibly soft, with layers of sweet dough wrapped around a vibrant lemon filling that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The homemade lemon glaze adds extra zing and a beautiful finish. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these rolls are comforting yet refreshing—and always a hit.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Eggs

For the lemon filling:

• Granulated sugar
• Fresh lemon zest
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Optional: a touch of lemon juice for extra flavor

For the lemon glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest (optional)
• Milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

directions

1. Make the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs. Mix and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
2. Prepare the lemon filling: In a small bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest. Rub together with your fingers until fragrant. Set aside.
3. Assemble the rolls: Roll out the dough into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with the lemon sugar mixture.
4. Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and slice into 12 even pieces. Place in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly.
6. Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and a splash of milk or cream until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 25 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls

Variations

• Cream cheese frosting: Use a lemon cream cheese frosting instead of glaze for a richer finish.
• Blueberry lemon: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling for extra fruitiness.
• Lemon poppy seed: Add poppy seeds to the dough or filling for a classic combo.
• Orange twist: Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
• Overnight option: Assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight; let come to room temperature and rise before baking.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Glaze after reheating for best texture, or re-glaze if needed.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?

Yes, skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate overnight. Let rise at room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, freeze baked and unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before glazing.

What’s the best way to zest lemons?

Use a microplane for fine zest and avoid the bitter white pith beneath the skin.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based milk, butter, and cream alternatives.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time while kneading until the dough is smooth and workable, but still soft.

Can I use lemon extract?

Yes, a small amount can enhance the flavor, but fresh lemon juice and zest are best for brightness.

What type of flour is best?

All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour can give slightly chewier rolls.

Are these very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet with a fresh lemony flavor. You can reduce sugar in the filling or glaze if desired.

Can I make mini rolls?

Yes, slice the dough thinner and bake in a smaller pan. Adjust the bake time accordingly.

Conclusion

Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and zesty lemon flavor—making them an uplifting treat for any occasion. Whether served warm from the oven or made ahead for a special brunch, these citrusy rolls are sure to bring smiles and compliments to the table. Bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, they’re a must-try for any lemon lover.

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