Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

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With my easy Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe and clear directions, you’re going to be a sweet rolls pro!A fall and spring favorite that all lemon fans will just adore and makes a great new neighbors gift!
You don’t need any special equipment to make and mixing bowls and 45 minutes is enough to produce this masterpiece.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

There is something about lemon that just screams sunshine and don’t you think so too, Even when the sky is gloomy outside or your kitchen looks like a total mess because we’ve all been there, that citrusy zing somehow makes everything feel brighter and more cheerful. These lemon sweet rolls are exactly that since they’re like little spirals of joy and comfort.

The experience was I made them was honestly just because I had some leftover lemons and I wanted to use them up so I didn’t expect anything magical and yet wow it turned out they were so fluffy and so tangy that I stood there in complete shock while already halfway through my second one because yes, no shame at all.

Have you ever had one of those days when you’re craving something sweet yet you don’t want anything too heavy, That’s exactly where these rolls come in because they’re light and a little tart and let’s talk about the glaze for a second since I may or may not have licked the bowl and then gone back for a second round.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Just a quick heads-up though because the dough can be a little sticky so don’t panic and instead, flour your hands well and blast your favorite playlist and simply roll with it literally.

Ingredients :

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup milk warm
  • ¼ cup water warm
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg

For the Lemon Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest from 2 lemons
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp milk optional, for thinner glaze

How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for an hour, or until doubled in size.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 2

Now, let’s prepare the lemon filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy. Then, roll out the dough and fill it: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 25 cm x 38 cm. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough.

Step 3

Roll and cut it: Starting from the long edge, roll out the dough into a narrow cylinder. Cut it into 12 equal pieces and place them on a greased baking sheet. Then, raise the dough again: Cover the rolls and let them rest for another 30-45 minutes until they’ve risen.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 4

Now let’s bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown. Finally, decorate: Mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of milk until smooth. Sprinkle the mixture over the warm bread.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed :

To make these yummy Lemon Sweet Rolls you’ll only need a few basic kitchen tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
  • Rolling pin
  • Baking dish
  • Small saucepan optional, for warming milk
  • Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Citrus juicer optional but helpful
  • Spatula or butter knife

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Sweet Rolls

Don’t overfill the dough a thin, even layer works best to avoid leaks while rolling.

Let the dough rise in a warm spot, like near a sunny window or in an off oven with the light on.

For an extra pop of color, add a few blueberries to the filling!

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

What to Eat with Lemon Sweet Rolls ??

I love these rolls with a glass of fresh fruit juice or another drink, and if I want dessert, I serve them with ice cream. I also love them when my husband takes us on a picnic, which we usually take with us. They’re a great addition to picnics or garden parties.

FAQ’S

Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice ?

Yes, but use it sparingly. Lemon extract is much stronger. ½ teaspoon can replace 1 tablespoon of juice.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked ?

The tops will be golden brown, and the center of the rolls will feel firm when lightly touched. You can also check with a toothpick it should come out clean.

Can I add fruit to the filling ?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even strawberries go great with the lemon flavor.

What’s a good substitute if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze ?

You can blend regular granulated sugar in a blender until powdery or skip the glaze and use honey or a thin icing instead.

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Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Recipe by LorieCourse: Breakfast, Brunch, DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy to Moderate
Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

280

kcal
Total time

45

minutes

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these homemade Lemon Sweet Rolls are a sunny twist on classic cinnamon rollsperfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat!

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 packet active dry yeast

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¾ cup milk warm

  • ¼ cup water warm

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 tbsp lemon zest from 2 lemons

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 2–3 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 tbsp milk optional, for thinner glaze

Directions

  • The first thing you need to do is prepare the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. In another bowl, mix the warm milk, warm water, melted butter, and egg. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for an hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Now, let's prepare the lemon filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy. Then, roll out the dough and fill it: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a large rectangle approximately 25 cm x 38 cm. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough.
  • Roll and cut it: Starting from the long edge, roll out the dough into a narrow cylinder. Cut it into 12 equal pieces and place them on a greased baking sheet. Then, raise the dough again: Cover the rolls and let them rest for another 30-45 minutes until they've risen.
  • Now let's bake: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes until light golden brown. Finally, decorate: Mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a splash of milk until smooth. Sprinkle the mixture over the warm bread.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons – Fresh zest and juice give the best, brightest flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
  • Use room-temperature eggs and butter They mix better into the dough and help it rise evenly.
  • Don’t over-flour your surface Too much flour can make the dough dry and dense.
  • Let the rolls touch in the pan This helps them rise upward and stay soft on the sides.
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Lorie

Lorie

Hi there! I’m Lorie the voice, cook, and heart behind Thebrunchingmama.com A former teacher turned full-time blogger and proud mama, I’m embracing this delicious new chapter one recipe at a time!

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