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Lemon Sweet Rolls

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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.

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

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. 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.
  3. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Meanwhile, mix lemon zest with granulated sugar in a small bowl to infuse the sugar with lemon flavor.
  5. Roll the risen dough into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle evenly with lemon sugar mixture.
  6. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. 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.

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