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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transform the ingredients into a cohesive mass through vigorous kneading, working the dough until it develops a silky, stretchy texture with smooth edges.
- 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.
- Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by pressing down, releasing trapped air and preparing it for shaping.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, spreading a layer of lemon-infused filling across the surface to ensure maximum flavor distribution.
- Carefully roll the dough from the long edge, creating a tight spiral that encapsulates the zesty filling.
- 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.
- Let the shaped rolls undergo a second rise, becoming puffy and interconnected, then bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and aromatic.
- 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