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Lemon Sweet Rolls

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a bright and delicious twist on the classic cinnamon roll, featuring soft, fluffy dough filled with tangy lemon sugar and topped with a creamy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls offer the perfect balance of citrus and sweetness, making them a delightful pastry everyone will love.


Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 cup milk

1 packet yeast

1 egg

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup melted butter

1/2 tsp salt

3 1/2 cups flour

For the Filling:

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice


Instructions

  • Prepare the Dough: Combine the milk, yeast, egg, sugar, melted butter, and salt in a bowl. Whisk until foamy. Add the flour and knead for about 3 minutes until smooth.

  • Let the Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in an oiled bowl for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

  • Prepare the Filling: Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush the melted butter over the surface, then sprinkle with sugar and lemon zest.

  • Form the Rolls: Roll the dough up tightly and cut it into 12 equal pieces.

  • Bake the Rolls: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise for 15 minutes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28-30 minutes or until golden brown.

  • Make the Lemon Glaze: While the rolls are baking, beat the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.

  • Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top.


Notes

Vegan: Use plant-based milk and butter, and replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Extra Lemon: For a more intense lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the dough itself.

Make-Ahead: You can refrigerate the dough after the second rise and bake when ready for an easy breakfast or brunch.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.