Description
Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic sweet roll, bursting with bright citrus flavor that makes them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. These fluffy rolls are filled with a zesty lemon filling and topped with a creamy lemon glaze, creating a delicious balance of sweetness and tartness. Ideal for any occasion, they are simple to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as a make-ahead snack, these Lemon Sweet Rolls are destined to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1½ tablespoons lemon zest (packed, about 2 large lemons)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for filling)
- 4 ounces full fat cream cheese (brick style, for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon, for frosting)
- lemon slices for garnish
- lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warmed milk and instant yeast; let sit until foamy.
- Stir in egg, sugar, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth; let rise in a greased bowl for about 1 hour until doubled.
- Prepare the filling by mixing sugar, lemon zest, and softened butter in a bowl.
- Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, and roll tightly into a log. Cut into 12 pieces and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Allow rolls to rise again for 30 minutes; bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–28 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing cream cheese and butter until creamy; add powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg