Lemon Rolls Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Rolls are a bright and delicious treat, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Soft yeast dough is rolled with a zesty lemon sugar filling, then baked and finished with a sweet glaze for a delightful citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- Yeast dough (enough for one batch of rolls)
- Lemon sugar filling (granulated sugar mixed with lemon zest)
- Glaze (simple powdered sugar and lemon juice mixture)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roll out the yeast dough into a rectangle and evenly spread the lemon sugar filling over the surface.
- Step 2: Carefully roll the dough into a log, slice into individual rolls, then bake until golden brown.
- Step 3: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the rolls generously with the lemon glaze before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor in the sugar filling.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the lemon sugar for a warm, spicy twist.
- For a richer glaze, incorporate a little melted butter or cream cheese.
Storage
Store lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to restore softness before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen dough for this recipe?
Yes, frozen yeast dough can be used. Thaw it fully and allow it to rise again before rolling out and adding the filling.
How do I prevent the rolls from drying out?
Be sure to store them in an airtight container and avoid overbaking. Applying the glaze also helps keep them moist.
PrintLemon Rolls Recipe
These Lemon Rolls are a delightful treat featuring soft yeast dough rolled with a tangy lemon sugar filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a citrusy dessert, these rolls combine tender texture with bright, zesty flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Yeast Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
Lemon Sugar Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin, if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt; mix well. Gradually add flour and knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
- Make the lemon sugar filling: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with lemon zest until well combined to create a fragrant lemon sugar.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle approximately 15×10 inches.
- Add the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the lemon sugar filling evenly on top.
- Form the rolls: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them cut side up in a greased baking pan, leaving some space between rolls.
- Second rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
- Prepare the lemon glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and enough milk to make a smooth glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Remove rolls from oven and cool slightly. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- If fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice and lemon extract can substitute but will reduce brightness.
- For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the glaze.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot when activating yeast to avoid killing it.
- The rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- These rolls are best enjoyed warm on the day they are baked for optimal softness and flavor.
Keywords: lemon rolls, lemon yeast rolls, lemon sugar rolls, breakfast rolls, citrus dessert rolls, soft baked rolls, lemon glaze
