Bright & Zesty Lemon Rolls Recipe: A Sweet Morning Joy

Soft and pillowy lemon rolls dance with zesty brightness on your taste buds.

Citrus-infused dough promises a delightful morning surprise.

Bakers adore how simple ingredients create magic in their kitchen.

Whispers of tangy sweetness waft through every delicate fold.

Perfectly balanced flavor makes these rolls irresistible to anyone seeking a cheerful breakfast treat.

Warm from the oven, they beckon you to slice, savor, and enjoy every fragrant bite.

Lemon Rolls With a Tart, Fluffy Bite

• Burst with Quick Prep: Whip up these lemon rolls in just over 2 hours, making them perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Zest Up Family Time: Create a delightful bonding experience while kneading dough together, engaging kids in a fun cooking activity that develops culinary skills.
• Brighten Any Occasion: Elevate breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea with these vibrant, citrusy rolls that bring sunshine to the table and spark conversation.
• Master Easy Baking: Achieve professional-looking pastries with simple step-by-step instructions, even if you're a beginner baker with minimal kitchen experience.

Lemon Rolls Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for soft and tender rolls with good gluten development.
• Milk: Creates moisture and helps activate the yeast for proper dough rising.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps yeast fermentation process.
• Eggs: Contribute richness, tender texture, and help bind ingredients together.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten structure.
• Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and soft texture to the rolls.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence to the rolls.

• Butter (for greasing): Prevents sticking and adds extra moisture to the dough surface.

Lemon Rolls Sweet Baking Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Whisk warm milk with yeast and a tiny sprinkle of sugar.

Let the mixture sit quietly for 5-10 minutes until it becomes wonderfully foamy and alive with tiny bubbles.

Step 2: Create the Dough Base

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar
• Salt

• Softened butter
• Eggs
• Fresh lemon zest

Mix everything until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Step 3: Knead to Perfection

Work the dough on a clean surface for 8 minutes.

Push, fold, and stretch until the dough transforms into a smooth, silky bundle that feels elastic and springy.

Step 4: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a generously buttered bowl.

Cover with a soft kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm, draft-free spot.

Allow the dough to rise and puff up for 1-1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Punch Down and Shape

Gently deflate the risen dough with your fist.

Roll it out into a rectangular shape, preparing for the lemon filling.

Step 6: Create Lemon Filling

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice

Spread this zesty mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough.

Step 7: Roll and Cut

Roll the dough into a tight log, then slice into individual rolls using a sharp knife.

Step 8: Second Rise

Place rolls in a buttered baking pan.

Cover and let rise again for 30-45 minutes.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Glaze and Serve

Whip up a quick lemon glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Drizzle over warm rolls and serve immediately.

Baking Tips for Light and Sweet Lemon Rolls

• Ensure milk is precisely 110°F to wake up yeast without killing it, creating a light, fluffy texture for your rolls.
• Grate only the yellow part of lemon skin, avoiding bitter white pith for maximum citrusy flavor without harsh undertones.
• Use a stand mixer or hand-knead consistently for 8 minutes to develop gluten, resulting in soft, tender rolls with perfect structure.
• Place dough in a draft-free, warm area like near a preheated oven to help it rise evenly and double in size within 1-1.5 hours.
• Substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain dough's elasticity and rise.

Lemon Rolls Storage Tips

• Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days when chilled.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen rolls maintain quality for 2-3 weeks.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly steamy.
• Transfer from freezer to refrigerator overnight, then reheat using microwave or oven method for best texture and flavor restoration.

What Goes Well With Lemon Rolls

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty lemon flavor with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose bright, citrusy notes will enhance the rolls' tangy essence.
• Create Refreshing Tea Companion: Brew a cold lavender or chamomile iced tea that provides a smooth, floral backdrop to the sweet and tart lemon rolls, creating a delightful balance.
• Match with Light Citrus Sorbet: Serve a lemon or blood orange sorbet alongside the rolls, amplifying the citrus profile and offering a cool, palate-cleansing dessert experience.
• Elevate with Honey Mascarpone: Prepare a light honey and mascarpone cream spread that adds creamy richness and subtle sweetness, perfectly offsetting the rolls' bright lemon flavor.

Lemon Rolls Sweet Options

• Gluten-Free Lemon Rolls: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, using xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
• Vegan Citrus Rolls: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax egg mixture for a plant-based version.
• Keto-Friendly Lemon Rolls: Swap traditional flour with almond flour or coconut flour, use sugar substitute like erythritol, and reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining zesty flavor.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the rolls' lemony brightness.

FAQs

• Is this recipe difficult for beginners?

No, this lemon roll recipe is beginner-friendly. If you understand basic baking techniques and follow each step carefully, you can successfully make these rolls even without extensive baking experience.

• Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast. Just reduce the rising time slightly and add the instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients without proofing.

• How important is the lemon zest in this recipe?

Lemon zest is crucial for creating the signature citrusy flavor. It provides a bright, fresh taste that distinguishes these rolls from regular sweet rolls, so try not to skip this ingredient.

• What if my dough doesn't rise properly?

Check your yeast’s freshness and ensure your liquid temperature is correct (around 110°F). Warm environments help activate yeast, so place the dough in a draft-free, warm spot to encourage rising.

Lemon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade Lemon Rolls dance with citrusy brightness, promising a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Mediterranean sunshine fills each soft spiral, inviting you to savor a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat that whispers of summer’s warmth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 lemons zest (total)

Topping/Glaze Ingredients:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for consistency)
• 1 packet (2.25 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast by combining warm milk with the yeast and a hint of sugar, allowing the mixture to bloom and become frothy for about 7-10 minutes.
2. Create a foundational dough by blending flour, sugar, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel, then incorporate the activated yeast, softened butter, eggs, and vibrant lemon zest.
3. Transform the ingredients into a cohesive mass through vigorous kneading, working the dough until it develops a silky, stretchy texture with smooth edges.
4. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled container, draping a clean kitchen towel over the top to create a nurturing environment for rising, and allow it to expand until its volume doubles.
5. Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down, releasing trapped air and preparing it for shaping.
6. Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spreading a layer of lemon-infused filling across the surface to ensure maximum flavor distribution.
7. Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight spiral that encapsulates the zesty filling.
8. Slice the rolled dough into uniform portions, arranging them in a prepared baking dish with enough space between each roll to allow for final expansion.
9. Let the shaped rolls undergo a second rise, becoming puffy and interconnected, then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and aromatic.
10. After baking, generously drizzle with a tangy lemon glaze, allowing it to cascade over the warm rolls and enhance their citrusy character.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely at the right temperature to ensure proper rising and soft, fluffy rolls.
• Use fresh, organic lemons for the most vibrant and intense citrus flavor throughout the dough and filling.
• Consider substituting gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, adding xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Experiment with alternative fillings like lavender or orange zest to create unique flavor variations while maintaining the roll’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg