Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you're a fan of citrus flavors, these lemon rolls are sure to delight. The dough is soft and light, providing the perfect base for the tangy lemon filling. The lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it. These rolls are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an impressive treat to serve for brunch, parties, or as a special snack. The balance of tartness from the lemon and the sweetness of the glaze will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust for desired consistency)
- Zest of 1 lemon
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the remaining sugar, softened butter, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest to create a spreadable filling.
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Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the longer side. Slice into 12 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
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Bake the Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
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Make the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
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Frost and Serve: Pour or drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 rolls
Variations
- Lemon Cream Cheese Filling: Add a touch of cream cheese to the filling for a rich, tangy twist.
- Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough before rolling it up for a fruity variation.
- Cinnamon-Lemon Rolls: For a spiced version, sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the lemon filling before rolling up the dough.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: These lemon rolls can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the rolls in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture, or whole wheat flour for a slightly denser roll.
2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling the night before, refrigerate it, and bake the rolls the next morning.
3. How can I make the rolls fluffier?
Ensure you knead the dough well and let it rise for the full time recommended. You can also add a bit of extra butter for softness.
4. Can I freeze these rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls before the second rise. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise before baking.
5. How do I adjust the glaze consistency?
To make the glaze thicker, add more powdered sugar; to make it thinner, add more lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Can I add other citrus fruits to the glaze?
Absolutely! You can add orange or lime juice and zest to the glaze for a unique twist.
7. Can I use a stand mixer for the dough?
Yes, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough instead of doing it by hand.
8. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel light and airy when pressed with a finger.
9. What is the best way to roll the dough evenly?
Use a rolling pin and make sure to measure out the dimensions of the dough (16x12 inches) for even rolls.
10. Can I make these rolls without the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet treat, you can skip the glaze, and the rolls will still be delicious with just the lemon filling.
Conclusion
These Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls are a perfect treat for lemon lovers. With a soft, fluffy dough, tangy lemon filling, and a sweet, zesty glaze, they are sure to brighten up any morning or afternoon. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, these rolls are an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or as a leftover snack, they are guaranteed to satisfy your citrus cravings!
Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls
These Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls are the perfect treat for citrus lovers! A combination of fluffy dough, tangy lemon filling, and a sweet glaze, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F or 43°C)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- Juice of 1-2 lemons (adjust for desired consistency)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add the remaining sugar, butter, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: Mix softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl until spreadable.
- Assemble the Rolls: Punch down the dough and roll out into a 16x12-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling over the dough. Roll tightly into a log and slice into 12 pieces. Arrange in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency as desired.
- Frost and Serve: Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a touch of cream cheese to the filling for a richer taste.
- For a fruity twist, add fresh or frozen blueberries before rolling up the dough.
- Cinnamon lovers can sprinkle ground cinnamon over the lemon filling before rolling.
