Name: Lemon Rolls: A Sweet, Citrusy Delight You’ll Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour – 3 ½ cups (440g); Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet); Milk – 1 cup (240 ml); Butter (unsalted) – ½ cup (115g), melted; Sugar – ¼ cup (50g); Eggs – 2 large; Lemon zest – 2 tablespoons; Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons; Salt – ½ tsp; Powdered sugar – 1 cup (120g); Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons; Milk – 2-3 tablespoons (adjust for glaze consistency)

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Oh, these lemon rolls. If you’re a fan of tangy citrus and soft, fluffy rolls, then you’re in for a treat! Imagine fresh, zesty lemon paired with a rich, buttery dough that melts in your mouth. The slight tang of the lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. These rolls are perfect for a weekend breakfast, a special brunch, or even as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Lemon rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the soft, pillowy dough makes every bite feel like a little piece of heaven. The combination of lemon zest, lemon juice, and the sugar glaze gives the rolls a fresh, vibrant flavor that’s both comforting and refreshing. They’re also surprisingly easy to make and perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers alike. Plus, the smell of these baking in your oven will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma—it’s like a citrus-scented hug.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Active dry yeast
Milk
Butter (unsalted)
Sugar
Eggs
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Salt

For the glaze:

Powdered sugar
Lemon juice
Milk

(You’ll find the full ingredient list below to get everything just right, but these are the basics to get you started!)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by warming your milk in a small saucepan until it’s just lukewarm—be careful not to overheat it. Stir in the sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the milk. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the butter, eggs, lemon zest, and the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until a dough starts to form. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Roll the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out into a rectangle about 12×18 inches. Now comes the fun part—spread a generous amount of butter over the dough and sprinkle it with sugar. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the butter and sugar, and then generously sprinkle some more lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.

Starting from the long side, carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal it. Cut the dough into 12 even slices using a sharp knife or dental floss (this works wonders for clean slices!). Place the rolls in a greased baking pan, cover them, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Glaze the Rolls

While the rolls are cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, letting it sink into the nooks and crannies for that sweet and tangy flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Make sure your milk is only lukewarm when activating the yeast—too hot, and you might kill it; too cold, and the yeast won’t activate.
If you don’t have a rolling pin, use a wine bottle or any smooth object to roll out the dough!
You can make the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, place the dough in the fridge and let it rise slowly overnight. The next morning, just roll it out and continue with the recipe.
Don’t skip the second rise. It helps the rolls stay soft and fluffy!

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you want a more intense lemon flavor, try adding a bit of lemon extract to the dough or glaze.
For a creamier glaze, you can add a bit of cream cheese to the glaze mixture. It’ll give the rolls a tangy twist.
If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the sugar in the filling, or even skip the glaze for a more subtle flavor.
You can add some poppy seeds to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These lemon rolls are delightful on their own, but they’re also great alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. For breakfast or brunch, pair them with fresh fruit like berries or a light yogurt parfait. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—especially if you’re enjoying them as a dessert.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is a big if, because they’re so delicious!), store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C). The rolls will warm up perfectly, and the glaze will melt back into the dough.

4 FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can! After the first rise, refrigerate the dough overnight and then continue with the recipe the next day.
Can I use a different citrus for these rolls?
Absolutely! Orange or lime zest would work beautifully in place of lemon for a fun variation.
Do I need to use fresh lemons?
Yes, fresh lemon juice and zest give these rolls the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same punch.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls! Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven.

Conclusion

These lemon rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and bright, citrusy sweetness. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or just because, they’re sure to brighten up your day with every bite. Try them out, and I promise you won’t regret it. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!