Description
Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll, infused with the invigorating zest and tang of fresh lemons. These fluffy and buttery rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bright morning breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack. The combination of sweet, tart flavors, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, makes them an irresistible treat for family gatherings or brunch with friends. Surprisingly easy to make, these rolls will impress your guests and leave your kitchen smelling heavenly!
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 yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add in the egg, sugar, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt. Mix well.
- Gradually add bread flour until you form a soft dough.
- Lightly flour your work surface.
- Turn out the dough onto the surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl (with olive oil or butter).
- Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size—about 1 hour.
- While the dough is rising, in a small bowl, mix together sugar, lemon zest, and softened butter until combined.
- After the first rise is complete, punch down the dough gently.
- Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface.
- Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from one edge, roll up tightly into a log shape.
- Cut into equal pieces (about 12).
- Place cut rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let them rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake rolls for about 25-28 minutes until golden brown.
- While baking, in another bowl, beat together cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Once baked, remove from oven and let cool slightly before drizzling or spreading frosting over warm rolls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (90g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use fresh lemons for maximum flavor impact. Feel free to experiment with fillings like poppy seeds or other citrus zests for added variation.