These Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a tangy-sweet lemon filling that’s pure sunshine in pastry form. Each roll is swirled with buttery citrus goodness and topped with a creamy lemon glaze that melts perfectly over the warm rolls. The first time I baked these, my kitchen smelled like a lemon orchard—fresh, sweet, and absolutely heavenly. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls bring brightness and joy to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these lemon sweet rolls because they’re light, pillowy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor. The lemon filling is perfectly balanced—sweet, tart, and buttery—while the glaze adds that final glossy touch of decadence. They taste like a cross between cinnamon rolls and lemon bars, only fresher and more vibrant. Ideal for spring mornings, holiday brunches, or any day you want a cheerful treat.
Print
Lemon Sweet Rolls – Soft, Zesty & Irresistibly Bright
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, fluffy lemon sweet rolls filled with tangy lemon sugar and topped with a luscious lemon glaze — a bright and cheerful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, perfect for spring mornings or brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (for filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and lemon zest.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined. Add remaining flour a little at a time until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients — softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
- Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread lemon filling evenly over the surface.
- Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a bit of lemon extract to the glaze.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.
- Substitute half the all-purpose flour with bread flour for even softer rolls.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the rolls their soft and fluffy texture.
Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly.
Warm Milk: Activates the yeast and adds richness.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough lightly.
Butter: Adds tenderness and flavor.
Egg: Provides structure and helps the dough stay soft.
Salt: Balances sweetness.
For the Lemon Filling:
Butter (softened): Helps the sugar and zest spread easily.
Granulated Sugar: Creates that sweet, caramelized filling.
Lemon Zest: The heart of the flavor—fresh and fragrant.
Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness to the filling.
For the Lemon Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: The base for a smooth, creamy glaze.
Lemon Juice: Infuses fresh citrus flavor.
Cream or Milk: Adjusts the glaze consistency.
Lemon Zest (optional): Adds a pop of color and extra zing.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add melted butter, egg, and salt. Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice into a smooth paste.
Step 3: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a large rectangle (about ¼ inch thick). Spread the lemon filling evenly over the surface. Roll the dough tightly from one long side to the other. Cut into 12 equal slices and place them in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Let cool slightly before glazing.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls. Finish with extra lemon zest if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Makes 12 rolls. Preparation time: 25 minutes. Rising time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Baking time: 25 minutes. Total time: about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving, or bake in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their softness. You can also freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months—thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with softened cream cheese for richness.
Poppy Seed Twist: Add poppy seeds to the filling for a lemon poppy seed flavor.
Lemon Curd Filling: Spread lemon curd instead of the butter-sugar mixture for an extra tangy version.
Orange or Lime Rolls: Substitute with orange or lime zest for a citrusy twist.
Vegan Lemon Rolls: Use almond milk and vegan butter for a plant-based option.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast doughs.
Lavender Lemon Rolls: Add a hint of culinary lavender for a fragrant floral note.
Mini Lemon Rolls: Make bite-sized rolls for party platters or brunch spreads.
Coconut Lemon Rolls: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the filling before rolling.
FAQs
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, just dissolve it in warm milk and sugar for 10 minutes before using.
Can I prepare the dough overnight?
Yes, refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
How do I make them extra soft?
Don’t overbake—remove from the oven as soon as they’re golden and puffy.
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes, replace the egg with ¼ cup of yogurt or unsweetened applesauce.
Can I freeze baked rolls?
Yes, freeze fully baked rolls and reheat when needed.
Why is my dough sticky?
Add flour gradually until it’s smooth and elastic—not sticky.
How can I make them less sweet?
Reduce sugar in the filling or glaze slightly to suit your taste.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, finely chopped almonds or pecans add a lovely crunch.
What’s the best way to serve them?
Warm, freshly glazed, and with a cup of coffee or tea.
Conclusion
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a burst of sunshine in every bite—soft, tender dough wrapped around a buttery, zesty filling and topped with a silky lemon glaze. They’re easy to make, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to brighten any morning. Whether for a weekend brunch, holiday breakfast, or sweet indulgence, these rolls bring fresh citrus bliss to your table.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!