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Lemon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Make the lemon sugar filling: In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with lemon zest until well combined to create a fragrant lemon sugar.
  3. 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.
  4. Add the filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled dough, then sprinkle the lemon sugar filling evenly on top.
  5. 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.
  6. Second rise: Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until puffy.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.
  8. Prepare the lemon glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and enough milk to make a smooth glaze.
  9. 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

Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/lemon-rolls-recipe/