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Lemon Sweet Rolls – Soft, Zesty & Irresistibly Bright


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  • Author: Sarah
  • 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)
  • 23 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (for glaze, optional)


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, egg, and lemon zest.
  3. Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined. Add remaining flour a little at a time until dough forms.
  4. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the filling ingredients — softened butter, sugar, and lemon zest.
  7. Roll the dough into a rectangle (about 12×18 inches). Spread lemon filling evenly over the surface.
  8. Roll up tightly from the long side and cut into 12 rolls.
  9. Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make the glaze.
  12. 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