Lemon Sweet Rolls

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by Sarah Connor

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked Lemon Sweet Rolls wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: soft, fluffy rolls, glazed with a tangy lemon icing that sparkles like sunshine. Each bite is a sweet explosion of citrus goodness that dances on your taste buds. zesty lemon baked donuts Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or an impromptu brunch gathering, these rolls are sure to steal the show and leave everyone clamoring for seconds.

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I still remember the first time I made these Lemon Sweet Rolls; my family thought I had turned into a baking wizard overnight. The joy on their faces was priceless! These rolls have become a cherished tradition in our household, perfect for brightening up any occasion. easy dessert options Get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience that will have you dreaming of lemony delights long after the last roll is gone.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Lemon Sweet Rolls are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any skill level
  • Their bright, zesty flavor profile elevates breakfast or brunch to new heights
  • Visually appealing with their golden-brown tops and luscious glaze, they are a feast for the eyes
  • Enjoy them fresh or save some for later; they’re delicious warm or at room temperature

I can still hear the delightful gasps from my friends when I unveiled these rolls at our last brunch gathering; they were an instant hit!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any good roll; make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
  • Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast for fluffy rolls.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Choose high-quality yeast for optimal rising; freshness is key.
  • Salt: A pinch enhances flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for rich flavor; it gives the rolls that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • Milk: Whole milk gives a creamy texture; slightly warm it before using for better absorption.
  • Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest packs a punch of citrus flavor that’s essential in this recipe.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness and ensures your rolls burst with lemony goodness.

For the Glaze:

  • Powdered Sugar: Sifted powdered sugar creates a smooth and glossy glaze; no lumps allowed!
  • Lemon Juice (for Glaze): Use fresh juice again to maintain that vibrant lemon flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, melt butter and warm milk until lukewarm. Stir in lemon zest and juice, mixing well to combine flavors.

Create The Dough: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients while mixing with a wooden spoon until it forms a sticky dough. This will take about 3-5 minutes.

Knead The Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough gently for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked.

First Rise: Place your dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1-1.5 hours should do it!

Shape The Rolls: Punch down the risen dough gently to release air. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Spread softened butter over top then sprinkle with sugar and lemon zest mixture before rolling tightly.

Bake & Glaze: After cutting into rolls and placing them in a greased pan, allow them to rise again briefly before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with glaze once cooled slightly.

With each step of this process, you’ll be treated to delightful aromas filling your kitchen—an irresistible invitation to taste those scrumptious Lemon Sweet Rolls fresh from the oven! decadent chocolate mascarpone cups.

You Must Know

  • Lemon Sweet Rolls are not just a treat; they can brighten any gloomy day
  • The sweet and tangy aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel warm and inviting
  • A delightful balance of flavors makes them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your dough before you mix the lemon filling. Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures fluffy rolls that melt in your mouth.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a unique flavor twist. Adding poppy seeds to your lemon filling can also enhance texture and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Lemon Sweet Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven set to 350°F until warm. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Sourdough Bread recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve the best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
  • Kneading the dough well develops gluten, yielding a lighter texture
  • Lastly, don’t skip letting your dough rise; it’s crucial for those fluffy rolls!

Creating these Lemon Sweet Rolls reminds me of a sunny morning when my sister and I baked them together. The laughter shared over messy counters made every bite sweeter.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice for Lemon Sweet Rolls?

Using fresh lemon juice is preferred, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

Replace milk with almond milk and butter with coconut oil for vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls. gluten-free cookie alternative.

What toppings pair well with Lemon Sweet Rolls?

A light glaze of powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice adds extra sweetness and tang.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Sweet Rolls


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  • Author: Gordon Calloway
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 rolls 1x

Description

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with zesty lemon flavors and topped with a glossy lemon glaze, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of citrus sweetness that’s sure to brighten your day. Easy to make and visually stunning, these rolls will quickly become a favorite in your household.


Ingredients

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  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, combine melted butter and warm milk; stir in lemon zest and juice.
  3. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients until a sticky dough forms (3-5 minutes).
  4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth. Let it rise in an oiled bowl covered with a damp cloth for 1-1.5 hours.
  5. Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread softened butter over it, sprinkle with sugar and lemon zest mixture, then roll tightly.
  6. Cut into rolls and place in a greased pan to rise again briefly before baking at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Drizzle cooled rolls with glaze.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (65g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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