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Lemon Rolls: Soft, Fluffy, and Bursting with Citrus Sunshine


  • Author: Kelly Merritt
  • Total Time: 180
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Rolls are soft, fluffy sweet rolls filled with lemon sugar and topped with tangy lemon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring mornings, Easter brunch, or anytime you need a bright, citrusy treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (300ml) whole milk, warmed to 110°F
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar (for yeast)
  • 4 3/4 cups (593g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1/2 cup (112g) unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • For the Filling: 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for soaking before baking)
  • For the Frosting: 1/4 cup butter, 4 oz cream cheese, 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Bloom yeast in warm milk with 1 tsp sugar for 10 minutes.
  2. Combine flour, salt, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, lemon zest, and yeast mixture. Knead 7–10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Let dough rise in a greased bowl, covered, until doubled (1–1 1/2 hours).
  4. Mix butter, sugars, lemon zest, juice, and salt for filling.
  5. Roll dough into 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly. Roll into a log and cut 12 rolls.
  6. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 dish. Pour cream between rolls. Proof 1 hour until doubled.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until lightly golden.
  8. Beat butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and juice until creamy. Frost rolls while warm.

Notes

Store Lemon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat before serving for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: lemon rolls, lemon sweet rolls, citrus cinnamon rolls, lemon cream cheese rolls