LEMON SWEET ROLLS
Imagine waking up to the warm, citrusy aroma of Lemon Sweet Rolls baking in your kitchen—soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. These rolls are like a cross between classic cinnamon rolls and a zesty lemon dessert, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence. The sweet, tangy glaze on top takes them to a whole new level! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Sweet Rolls
Versatile Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert.
Budget-Friendly Made with pantry staples, yet they taste like a bakery treat.
Soft & Fluffy The dough is light, tender, and melts in your mouth.
Bursting with Lemon Flavor The filling and glaze are packed with fresh, zesty goodness.
Crowd-Pleasing Whether for a family gathering or just treating yourself, these rolls are always a hit!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Lemon Sweet Rolls
Flour The foundation of soft, pillowy rolls. All-purpose flour works best.
Yeast Helps the dough rise into light, fluffy perfection.
Milk Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
Butter Makes the rolls tender and gives them a rich, buttery flavor.
Sugar Sweetens the dough and balances the tangy lemon flavor.
Egg Adds structure and helps create a soft, tender texture.
Lemon Zest & Juice The star ingredients for that fresh, citrusy punch.
Cream Cheese Used in the glaze for an extra creamy, tangy finish.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy. Add butter, egg, and flour, then mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead & Rise Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
Make the Lemon Filling In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Roll & Fill Roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the surface.
Shape the Rolls Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, then slice into even rolls.
Second Rise Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again until puffy.
Bake to Perfection Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Glaze Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle & Serve Spread the glaze over the warm rolls and enjoy every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
Calories per serving 280
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours (including rise time)
How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls
- Serve warm with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Pair with fresh berries or whipped cream for a fancy touch.
- Enjoy them as a dessert after a light meal.
Additional Tips
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the glaze.
- Make ahead option: Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh in the morning.
- Want a fluffier texture? Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Need a dairy-free version? Swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free milk.
- For a crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just mix it directly into the flour—no need to activate it in warm milk first.
2. How do I store leftover rolls?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Absolutely! Freeze unglazed rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding the glaze.
4. What’s the best way to reheat these?
Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
5. Can I make these without eggs?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
6. How do I make the rolls softer?
Make sure not to overbake them—check at 20 minutes to avoid drying them out.
7. Can I add a filling besides lemon?
Yes! Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or a hint of vanilla for variety.
8. Do I need to use cream cheese in the glaze?
No, you can make a simple lemon glaze with just powdered sugar and lemon juice.
9. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
Add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s soft but not sticky.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but it will make the rolls denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance.
Conclusion
Soft, fluffy, and packed with bright lemon flavor, Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these rolls bring a burst of sunshine to any day. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintLEMON SWEET ROLLS
Soft and fluffy lemon sweet rolls filled with a zesty lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. A perfect citrusy treat for breakfast or dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
**For the Dough:**
– 240ml warm milk (1 cup)
– 50g granulated sugar (1/4 cup)
– 7g instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 60g unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup)
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 400g all-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups)
**For the Filling:**
– 100g granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 60g unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup)
**For the Lemon Glaze:**
– 120g powdered sugar (1 cup)
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon milk (optional for thinning)
Instructions
**Prepare the Dough:**
1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add melted butter, egg, and salt, then mix. Gradually add flour and knead until a soft dough forms.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
**Prepare the Filling:**
4. In a small bowl, mix sugar and lemon zest.
5. Roll out the dough into a 35x25cm rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with the lemon-sugar mixture.
6. Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
**Bake the Rolls:**
7. Place the rolls in a greased 23cm baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
**Prepare the Glaze:**
9. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Add milk if needed for consistency.
10. Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
For extra citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough. You can also make these overnight by refrigerating the rolls before the second rise and baking them fresh in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
