Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft and fluffy rolls filled with a bright and tangy lemon sugar mixture, topped with a creamy lemon glaze—perfect for spring mornings or special brunches.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:2 hours (including rising)
Yield:12 rolls 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened (optional for a creamy glaze)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in sugar, melted butter, and egg. Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, mix lemon zest with granulated sugar in a small bowl to infuse the sugar with lemon flavor.
Roll the risen dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with lemon sugar mixture.
Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.
Notes
For extra lemon flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract to the glaze.
Dough can be prepared the night before and refrigerated before the second rise.
Best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.