Soft & Fluffy Lemon Rolls – A Bright and Buttery Treat

If you love classic cinnamon rolls but want something a little lighter and fresher, these Lemon Rolls are exactly what you need. Soft, pillowy dough with a sweet and tangy lemon filling, all topped with a luscious lemon glaze—every bite is like sunshine! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just because you need a little citrusy sweetness in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy – The dough is perfectly light and tender.
• Bright and citrusy – The fresh lemon flavor shines through.
• Perfect for any occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
• Easy to make ahead – Great for prepping the night before!

Ingredients

(Full ingredient list below!)

• Flour
• Yeast
• Milk
• Butter
• Sugar
• Lemons (both zest and juice!)
• Cream cheese (for the glaze)

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Warm the milk and mix it with yeast, sugar, melted butter, and flour to form a soft dough. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough rises, mix butter, sugar, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice to make a sweet, citrusy spread.

Step 3: Roll and Fill

Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread the lemon filling evenly, and roll it up tightly. Slice into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Let Rise Again and Bake

Cover and let them rise until puffy. Bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of cream cheese or butter until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Use fresh lemons – The zest adds the best flavor!
• Don’t rush the rise – Letting the dough double makes the rolls extra fluffy.
• Warm milk, not hot – Too hot, and it will kill the yeast.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

• Make it extra citrusy – Add a little orange zest for a citrus blend.
• Swap the glaze – Try a vanilla or cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
• Add berries – Blueberries or raspberries add a fun twist!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

• With coffee or tea – A hot cup of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
• As a brunch showstopper – Serve alongside eggs and fresh fruit.
• With extra lemon curd – If you love lemon, this takes it to another level!

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temp for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them soft again.
• Freeze before glazing – Let them cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
2. What if I don’t have yeast?
   You can try a quick bread version using baking powder, but the texture will be different.
3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
   Fresh lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor, but bottled will work in a pinch.
4. Why are my rolls dense?
   The dough may not have risen enough—give it extra time in a warm spot!

Conclusion

These Lemon Rolls are a bright, citrusy twist on a classic favorite. They’re soft, sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. Bake a batch and enjoy a little sunshine in every bite!

Soft & Fluffy Lemon Rolls – A Bright and Buttery Treat

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Soft, pillowy sweet rolls filled with a tangy lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious lemon glaze. These Lemon Rolls are the perfect balance of citrusy brightness and buttery richness—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat!

• Author: Touria Elkoudssi
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
• Yield: 12–14 rolls 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cream cheese or butter, softened

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, mix warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in flour to form a soft dough.
3. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl until combined.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

1. Roll out dough into a 14×9-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly.
2. Roll up tightly from the long edge and cut into 12 equal pieces.
3. Place in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze & Serve

1. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and cream cheese or butter until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

• Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• For extra lemon flavor, add a bit more zest to the filling and glaze.
• If making ahead, refrigerate overnight before baking fresh in the morning.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 roll
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg