Lemon Sweet Rolls

Get ready to fall in love with a sweet treat that’s bursting with sunshine! Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on your classic cinnamon rolls, but with a refreshing, zesty lemon kick. Picture soft, pillowy dough filled with a tangy lemony filling, all topped off with a sweet, creamy glaze that makes every bite pure bliss. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to brighten up anyone’s day. Trust me, these lemon rolls are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Sweet Rolls

These rolls aren’t just a sweet treat—they’re a whole experience. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite:

Refreshing Lemon Flavor:

The zingy lemon filling and glaze bring a burst of freshness that balances out the sweetness perfectly. It’s the kind of flavor that’ll make you feel like you’re having a little taste of sunshine in every bite!

Soft and Fluffy:

These rolls are incredibly soft and pillowy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. The dough is perfectly tender, making each roll a joy to savor.

Sweet and Tangy Glaze:

The creamy lemon glaze on top takes these rolls to the next level. It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of indulgent to complement the soft dough and zesty lemon filling.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Whether you’re having a cozy weekend breakfast or impressing guests at a brunch gathering, these rolls are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can enjoy them any time!

Great for Leftovers:

If you happen to have any leftover rolls (which is rare!), they’re just as delicious the next day. You can even reheat them for a warm, comforting treat later.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible lemon sweet rolls:

Dough

The dough is the foundation of these sweet rolls, and it’s soft and buttery with just a hint of sweetness to balance out the zesty lemon.

Active Dry Yeast

The yeast helps the dough rise and gives it that light, airy texture we all love in sweet rolls.

Whole Milk

Milk adds richness to the dough and helps create that soft, tender texture.

Sugar

A little sugar is all you need to give the dough the perfect amount of sweetness.

Salt

A pinch of salt brings balance to the sweetness of the dough and enhances the flavors.

Butter

Butter makes the dough rich and tender, and adds that perfect buttery flavor to every bite.

Eggs

Eggs help bind the dough together and make it soft and fluffy.

Lemon Filling

This is where the magic happens—the bright and tangy lemon filling that infuses the rolls with the perfect citrusy kick.

Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest

Fresh lemon juice and zest give the filling that refreshing, vibrant flavor we love in lemon desserts.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the filling that complements the tangy lemon.

Cinnamon

A pinch of cinnamon rounds out the flavor and gives a subtle warmth to the rolls.

Glaze

The glaze is what takes these rolls from delicious to extraordinary, with its sweet, tangy, and creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar gives the glaze its smooth, silky texture.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice in the glaze intensifies the lemon flavor and adds just the right amount of tartness to balance the sweetness.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps for making these gorgeous lemon sweet rolls:

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to go!

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the rest of the sugar, salt, butter, eggs, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the fresh lemon juice, zest, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set it aside for later.

Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Spread a generous layer of butter over the dough, then evenly distribute the lemon filling over the butter.

Roll and Slice the Dough

Carefully roll up the dough tightly from one long edge, creating a log. Slice the log into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re close together but not overcrowded. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as you want them soft and fluffy.

Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to make the glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency.

Glaze and Serve

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve them while they’re still warm, and enjoy that irresistible lemony goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 9g
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 6% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 6% of the Daily Value

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Rise Time: 1.5 hours
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls

These sweet, tangy rolls are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s how to enjoy them:

For Breakfast or Brunch

Serve these Lemon Sweet Rolls for a light, refreshing breakfast or as part of a larger brunch spread. They pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a strong cup of coffee.

As a Snack

These rolls are perfect for an afternoon snack with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. The citrusy glaze is especially refreshing on a warm day.

For Dessert

End a dinner with a little sweetness by serving these rolls as a dessert. Their lemony zing makes them a refreshing finish to any meal.

As a Gift

Wrap these rolls in a pretty box or tin and gift them to friends or family. It’s a wonderful, homemade treat that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day.

Additional Tips

For the perfect Lemon Sweet Rolls every time, here are a few extra tips:

Don’t Rush the Rise

Letting the dough rise properly is key to achieving soft, fluffy rolls. Be patient during both rises, and you’ll get the perfect texture.

Use Fresh Lemons

For the best flavor, use fresh lemons for the juice and zest. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same fresh, zesty flavor.

Make Them Ahead of Time

You can prepare the rolls the night before! After assembling them in the pan, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just let them rise for 30 minutes before baking.

Add Lemon Zest to the Glaze

For an extra burst of lemony goodness, add some zest to the glaze to intensify that citrus flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then refrigerate it overnight. The next morning, just shape the rolls and let them rise again before baking.

Q2: Can I use a different citrus for this recipe?

A2: Absolutely! You can substitute lime or orange zest and juice for a different citrus twist.

Q3: Can I make these rolls without yeast?

A3: These rolls rely on yeast for that soft, fluffy texture, so it’s best to use it. However, you can try a biscuit-style dough as an alternative, though the texture will be different.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Q5: Can I freeze these rolls?

A5: Yes! After baking, let the rolls cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm them in the oven.

Q6: Can I make a dairy-free version of this recipe?

A6: You can try using dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.

Q7: Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?

A7: Yes! A stand mixer with a dough hook attachment can help knead the dough much faster than by hand. Just be careful not to overmix.

Q8: How do I get the rolls extra soft?

A8: Make sure not to overbake them—take them out as soon as they’re golden on top. Underbaking them slightly also keeps them softer.

Q9: Can I add more filling?

A9: Absolutely! If you love lemon, feel free to add more zest or juice to the filling for an extra punch of citrus flavor.

Q10: How do I make these rolls more indulgent?

A10: You can add a layer of cream cheese filling inside the rolls before adding the lemon filling for a richer, more decadent treat.

Conclusion

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a little slice of heaven, offering the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet, buttery dough. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these rolls will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, they’re a must-try for any lemon lover. Enjoy!

Print