Description
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect mix of tangy lemon flavor and soft, buttery dough. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re a fan of sweet pastries or just looking to try something new, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3½ to 4¼ cups bread flour or all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- Olive oil or butter (for greasing the bowl)
For the Filling:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons lemon zest (packed, about 2 large lemons)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze:
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
Optional Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Lemon zest
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the warmed milk, yeast, egg, sugar, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt. Whisk together until foamy.
- Add 3½ cups of flour and knead the dough using a dough hook for 3 minutes. (Alternatively, knead by hand for 5 minutes.) The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky. If it sticks, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
- Grease a large bowl with olive oil or butter, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Roll and Fill the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest for the filling.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough and sprinkle the lemon-sugar mixture on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and pinch the seam closed. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
Arrange and Bake:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and arrange the rolls inside, leaving space between each one.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for 45–60 minutes, or until puffed up.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, salt, and lemon juice, and mix until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Adjust with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed.
Glaze and Serve:
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls. Garnish with lemon slices and zest if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the citrusy goodness!
Notes
- Milk Temperature: Ensure the milk is around 110°F. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cool won’t activate it properly.
- Flour: Start with 3½ cups of flour, adding more only if necessary to achieve the right texture.
- Making Ahead: After the second rise, refrigerate the rolls for up to 48 hours. Let them come to room temperature before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Reheating: Microwave rolls for 20–30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Enjoy making these delightful Lemon Sweet Rolls—they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American