Introduction to Lemon Sweet Rolls
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Lemon Sweet Rolls wafting through the kitchen. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly morning! These delightful treats are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a quick solution for busy days or a sweet way to impress your loved ones. Imagine soft, fluffy dough filled with zesty lemon goodness, topped with a sweet glaze. Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, these rolls are sure to brighten your day. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sweet Rolls
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful blend of simplicity and flavor. They come together quickly, making them perfect for those hectic mornings or lazy weekends. The soft, fluffy texture paired with the zesty lemon filling creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at brunch or as a sweet treat after dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be in love!
Ingredients for Lemon Sweet Rolls
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Lemon Sweet Rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Warm milk: This activates the yeast, giving your rolls that fluffy texture. Make sure it’s warm, not hot!
- Instant yeast: The magic ingredient that helps the dough rise quickly. No need to proof it first!
- Eggs: A large egg and an extra yolk add richness and moisture to the dough.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes the dough tender and adds flavor. You’ll need some for both the dough and the filling.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the rolls, providing structure. You can substitute with a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Lemon zest: This adds a burst of citrus flavor to the filling. Fresh is best, but you can use dried if necessary.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens the filling and glaze. Bottled juice works in a pinch.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the sweet glaze that drizzles over the warm rolls.
- Extra lemon zest: For garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls
Make the Dough
Let’s dive into the heart of these Lemon Sweet Rolls! Start by combining warm milk and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for about five minutes until it gets all frothy and bubbly. This is where the magic begins!
Next, add in the room temperature egg, extra yolk, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Now, it’s time to knead! On a floured surface, knead the dough for about eight minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and a little springy. Once done, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for those fluffy rolls!
Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, let’s whip up the filling! In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until it’s creamy and smooth. This filling is where the zesty goodness comes from!
Assemble the Rolls
Once your dough has risen, it’s time to assemble the rolls! Punch down the risen dough to release the air, then roll it out into a rectangle about 14 by 9 inches. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover every inch. Now, roll it up tightly from the long side into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise is key for that fluffy texture!
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have puffed up nicely, pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to be lightly golden on top. The smell will be heavenly!
Glaze
While the rolls are baking, let’s prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until it’s smooth and pourable. Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. This sweet touch will take your Lemon Sweet Rolls to the next level!
Tips for Success
- Always check the temperature of your milk; it should feel warm, not hot, to activate the yeast.
- For fluffier rolls, knead the dough thoroughly until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it’s essential for achieving that light texture.
- Feel free to adjust the lemon zest for a more intense flavor.
- Serve these rolls warm for the best experience!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot works too!
- Dough hook or hands: For kneading the dough. You can use a stand mixer or just your hands.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough. A wine bottle can substitute in a pinch!
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish for baking the rolls. Any oven-safe dish will do.
- Whisk: For mixing the glaze. A fork can work just as well!
Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Sweet Rolls: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these rolls suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Herbed Lemon Rolls: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling for a savory-sweet combination.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze for an indulgent chocolate-lemon flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Lemon Sweet Rolls with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast experience.
- Serve them warm on a beautiful platter, garnished with extra lemon zest for a pop of color.
- For a brunch spread, include fresh fruit or yogurt on the side.
- Drizzle a bit of extra glaze over the top for an eye-catching presentation.
FAQs about Lemon Sweet Rolls
Can I make Lemon Sweet Rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling the night before. Just cover the dough and refrigerate it. In the morning, let it come to room temperature before rolling and baking. This way, you’ll have fresh rolls ready in no time!
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to the yeast being inactive. Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, and check the expiration date on your yeast. If it’s still good, give it a little more time to rise in a warm spot.
Can I freeze Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Yes! You can freeze the baked rolls. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
How do I store leftover Lemon Sweet Rolls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier. They’re best enjoyed warm!
Can I use other citrus fruits in this recipe?
Definitely! While this recipe shines with lemon, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime. Just adjust the zest and juice accordingly for a unique twist on these sweet rolls!
Final Thoughts
Making Lemon Sweet Rolls is more than just baking; it’s an experience filled with joy and warmth. The process of kneading the dough, watching it rise, and finally indulging in those fluffy, zesty rolls is truly rewarding. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, perfect for brightening any day. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring them solo, these rolls bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and let the delightful aroma fill your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Lemon Sweet Rolls: A Simple Recipe for Delicious Treats
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that combines a soft, fluffy dough with a zesty lemon filling and a sweet glaze, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup warm milk (105–110°F / 40–43°C)
- 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 large egg + 1 yolk, room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice (for glaze)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add egg, yolk, sugar, and butter. Mix until combined. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough comes together. Knead on a floured surface (or with a dough hook) for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Assemble the Rolls: Punch down risen dough and roll into a rectangle (about 14×9 inches). Spread lemon filling evenly over dough. Roll tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 equal pieces. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and garnish with lemon zest.
Notes
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the amount of lemon zest in the filling.
- These rolls are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
