Lemon Sweet Rolls

Name: Lemon Sweet Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional); 2 large eggs; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup powdered sugar (for icing); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing); 1 tablespoon lemon zest (for icing)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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These Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a vibrant lemon flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they are guaranteed to bring sunshine to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Lemon Sweet Rolls because they’re the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and a refreshing lemony sweetness. The lemon zest and extract give each bite a bright, citrusy punch that pairs beautifully with the rich, sugary glaze. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee. If you love lemon-flavored treats, you’re going to be hooked on these rolls!

Ingredients

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)

2 large eggs

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup powdered sugar (for icing)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing)

1 tablespoon lemon zest (for icing)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, lemon extract (if using), and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and mix until combined.

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch the dough down to release air, then transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a 12×18-inch rectangle.

Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle it evenly with sugar and additional lemon zest.

Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, then slice it into 12 even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spacing them closely together. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown on top and cooked through.

While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl to make the glaze.

Once the rolls are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Variations

Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for an added crunch and flavor.

Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Add fresh blueberries between the dough layers before rolling for a fruity twist.

Cinnamon Lemon Rolls: For a spiced variation, sprinkle ground cinnamon along with the lemon zest and sugar.

Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with dairy-free butter and the eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg substitute.

Storage/reheating

These Lemon Sweet Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, I like to reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them into a warm oven (350°F for 5-10 minutes) to restore their softness. If you have leftovers, they freeze well too. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, warm them up in the oven or microwave.

Related Recipes:

Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls

FAQs

How can I tell when the rolls are done baking?

The rolls are ready when they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of one roll—if it comes out clean, they are done.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to the point of the second rise. After shaping the rolls and placing them in the baking dish, cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I make the glaze without lemon zest?

While the zest adds extra flavor, you can make the glaze without it if you prefer a smoother icing. Just mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but if you must, bottled lemon juice can be substituted in the glaze.

Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?

Yes! You can use a bread machine to knead the dough. Just add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine’s manual and select the dough setting.

Conclusion

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delicious and refreshing treat that can brighten any day. The tangy lemon flavor paired with the sweet, soft dough makes for a perfect breakfast or dessert. I love how easy they are to make and how impressive they look when served. Whether you’re sharing with family or enjoying a few by yourself, these rolls are sure to be a hit.

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