When life hands you lemons, don’t just make lemonade; roll them up in dough and bake them into a delightful treat! Lemon Rolls are that perfect blend of tangy and sweet, encased in a fluffy, buttery embrace that’s nothing short of heavenly. Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, and the warm, citrusy aroma dances around you like a friendly ghost whispering secrets of deliciousness. Just the thought of biting into a soft, warm roll bursting with lemon flavor is enough to make anyone weak at the knees!
I still remember the first time I tried Lemon Rolls at my grandma’s house. It was on a sunny Sunday afternoon when she surprised us all with her secret recipe. As we gathered around the table, the rolls glistened like little golden suns, promising an explosion of flavor. Since then, they have become a staple for family gatherings, lazy weekends, or any occasion where joy needs to be added to life. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Lemon Rolls
- This amazing Lemon Rolls offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Lemon Rolls
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lemon Rolls:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the dough; use unbleached flour for better texture.
- Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh so your rolls rise beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast; slightly adjust based on personal preference.
- Salt: Balances flavors; don’t skip it or your rolls will taste flat!
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the dough, making it rich and fluffy; choose high-quality butter for best results.
- Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; helps create tender dough.
- Lemon Zest: The star of the show! Fresh zest brings out that citrusy zing everyone loves.
- Lemon Juice: Adds moisture and tang; fresh-squeezed is always better than bottled.
For the Glaze:
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze while providing a smooth texture; sift it before mixing to avoid clumps.
- Lemon Juice: For that extra zing in your glaze; adjust to your liking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon Rolls
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Lemon Rolls:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dough
In a bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about five minutes until frothy—like tiny bubbles of joy! In another bowl, mix flour and salt.
Step 2: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Melt butter in a small saucepan and let it cool slightly. Add lemon zest and lemon juice to your yeast mixture along with melted butter. Mix well until combined.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients until it forms a soft dough. Knead it on a floured surface for about five minutes until smooth and elastic—this is where you get to unleash your inner baker!
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour if you can resist sneaking tastes!
Step 5: Roll Out Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough (yes!) and roll it out into a rectangle about half an inch thick. Spread softened butter over the surface generously—think of this as giving your rolls an oil change!
Step 6: Shape Your Rolls
Sprinkle sugar mixed with lemon zest evenly over the buttered surface. Roll tightly into a log and slice into even pieces (about one inch each). savory lemon chicken dish Place them in a greased baking dish.
Finally: Second Rise
Cover again and let them rise for another thirty minutes while you preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Transfer those beauties into the oven and bake for about twenty-five minutes or until golden brown on top.
Serve warm drizzled with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice—the perfect finishing touch!
You Must Know About Lemon Rolls
- This amazing Lemon Rolls offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Lemon Rolls Cooking Process
Start by preparing your filling while preheating the oven. Roll out your dough, fill it with the lemon mixture, and then roll tightly. Bake until golden brown for perfect results every time.
Add Your Touch to Lemon Rolls
Feel free to swap regular flour for whole wheat or add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to your lemon rolls. You can even throw in some cheese for an extra savory twist!
Storing & Reheating Lemon Rolls
Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to retain their fluffy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Lemon Rolls
- This amazing Lemon Rolls offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I first whipped up these lemon rolls, and they quickly became my family’s favorite! The kids couldn’t get enough of that zesty goodness, and neither could I!
FAQs About Lemon Rolls
What are Lemon Rolls?
Lemon Rolls are a delightful pastry that combines fluffy dough with a zesty lemon filling, rolled up and baked to perfection. These sweet treats are often topped with a tangy glaze, enhancing their citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, Lemon Rolls provide a refreshing twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. The balance of sweetness and tartness makes them irresistible. Many enjoy pairing these rolls with coffee or tea, making them ideal for brunch gatherings or family get-togethers.
How do you make Lemon Rolls?
To make Lemon Rolls, start by preparing a soft dough using flour, sugar, yeast, milk, and butter. Once the dough rises, roll it out into a rectangle and spread a mixture of lemon juice, zest, and sugar over the surface. cinnamon brown butter cookies Roll it tightly into a log and cut it into individual pieces. Bake until golden brown and drizzle with a lemon glaze once cooled. This simple recipe yields warm, fluffy Lemon Rolls that everyone will love.
Can I make Lemon Rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily prepare Lemon Rolls ahead of time! You can either refrigerate the unbaked rolls after shaping them or bake them and store them in an airtight container. If refrigerated before baking, allow them to rise at room temperature before baking. This flexibility makes Lemon Rolls convenient for busy mornings or special occasions when you want to impress guests without the last-minute rush.
What variations can I try with Lemon Rolls?
There are many variations you can try with Lemon Rolls to suit your taste! Consider adding poppy seeds for an extra crunch or incorporating blueberries for a burst of flavor. For those who love cream cheese frosting, try adding a tangy cream cheese filling instead of traditional lemon filling. delicious cream puffs Additionally, you can experiment with various glazes by introducing flavors like vanilla or lavender to give your rolls a unique twist while keeping the lemon essence intact.
Conclusion for Lemon Rolls
In summary, Lemon Rolls are an exciting addition to any breakfast table or dessert spread. Their delightful combination of fluffy dough and zesty lemon filling makes them irresistible. With options to make ahead or customize according to your preferences, these rolls offer both convenience and versatility. one bowl lemon dessert Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later use, Lemon Rolls promise to deliver bright flavors that uplift any occasion. Indulge yourself in this treat today!
Lemon Rolls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lemon Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional sweet rolls, featuring fluffy dough wrapped around a zesty lemon filling. Each roll is topped with a tangy glaze that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast or dessert. The fragrant aroma of fresh lemon zest fills your kitchen as you bake these golden delights. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, Lemon Rolls are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In another bowl, mix flour and salt.
- Add melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
- Place dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread softened butter over it.
- Sprinkle with sugar mixed with lemon zest, roll tightly, and slice into pieces.
- Place in a greased baking dish; cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg

