Description
Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy yeast rolls swirled with a tangy lemon-sugar filling and topped with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are bursting with fresh citrus flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest (for filling)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add remaining sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest for the filling.
- Punch down dough and roll into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread lemon filling evenly over dough.
- Roll dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Whisk lemon juice and powdered sugar for glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For an extra tangy flavor, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the filling.
- Best enjoyed warm, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To make ahead, prepare the rolls, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning.
- Candied lemon slices make a beautiful garnish.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon sweet rolls, citrus breakfast rolls, lemon dessert