Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

If you adore the bright, uplifting flavor of lemons paired with soft, fluffy bread, then this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. These rolls are the perfect blend of zesty citrus and sweet, buttery dough, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack any time of day. The glaze, bursting with fresh lemon juice and zest, adds the perfect final touch, making each bite wonderfully moist and flavorful. Once you try these sweet rolls, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each plays a key role in developing the signature soft texture, sweet tang, and inviting aroma that make these lemon sweet rolls so special.

• Active dry yeast: The magical leavening agent that makes the dough rise and become delightfully airy.
• Warm milk: Just the right temperature to activate the yeast for a perfect rise and tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for gentle fermentation.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth softness to every roll.
• Lemon zest: Bursts of citrus flavor that brighten and freshen the whole dough.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a subtle sweet aroma that harmonizes beautifully with lemon.
• Lemon extract (optional): Perfect to intensify the lemon flavor when you want a more pronounced citrus punch.
• Large eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to its tender texture.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation that creates structure and chewiness in the rolls.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness and lemon notes.
• Powdered sugar: For the luscious lemon icing that finishes off the rolls.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant tang to the glaze, making it refreshingly bright and sweet.

How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by stirring the active dry yeast into warm milk along with a bit of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step is crucial as it proves that the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, giving your rolls that wonderful rise and tender crumb.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon zest, vanilla extract, optional lemon extract, and eggs. Then add the activated yeast mixture and stir until everything is well blended. This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that infuses your rolls with lively citrus and subtle sweetness.

Step 3: Form the dough

Gradually add flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead it for 6 to 8 minutes. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough that stretches without tearing—this ensures the rolls will be soft and fluffy once baked.

Step 4: Let the dough rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it snugly, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This is where patience pays off as the dough becomes airy and light, setting the stage for that perfect roll texture.

Step 5: Prepare the oven and shape the rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch down the risen dough to release air, then roll it out on a floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle, preparing it for the lemon sugar filling.

Step 6: Add the filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough rectangle. Sprinkle generously with sugar and lemon zest, which will caramelize and create those irresistible sweet-tart swirls within each roll.

Step 7: Roll and slice

Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long edge, then slice it into 12 even rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise a second time for about 30 minutes. This second rise ensures light, fluffy rolls with a tender crumb.

Step 8: Bake the rolls

Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden brown color. The aroma of lemon and baked dough filling your kitchen during this step is something truly heartwarming.

Step 9: Prepare the glaze

While the rolls are baking, stir together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and some lemon zest to create a smooth, tangy glaze. This glaze elevates the rolls, adding moistness and a shining citrus finish.

Step 10: Glaze and serve

Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top. The glaze soaks into the rolls slightly, making each bite bursting with sweet, zesty flavor that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a few edible flowers can add a fresh and gorgeous touch. If you want to add a bit of crunch, some chopped toasted almonds or pistachios on top of the glaze bring a nice textural contrast without overpowering the lemon sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair these lemon sweet rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light herbal tea such as chamomile for a comforting combo. For a brunch spread, consider fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness and lemony brightness of the rolls.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve these rolls on a beautiful cake stand or in decorative muffin tins to make them look like individual lemon cupcakes. You can also drizzle extra glaze in a pattern or add a dusting of powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps the rolls stay soft and preserves their fresh lemon flavor. Avoid refrigerating as it tends to dry out the bread.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these rolls later, freeze them before glazing. Wrap the unglazed rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy them fresh whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To bring frozen or stored rolls back to life, warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with fresh glaze. This way, you get that just-baked softness and lemony glow all over again.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon extract?

Yes! Lemon juice adds fresh lemon flavor but is less concentrated than lemon extract. For a stronger lemon taste, the extract is preferred, but fresh juice still works well and keeps things natural.

What’s the best way to get the lemon zest?

Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the bright yellow top layer of the lemon rind, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Freshly grated lemon zest has much more vibrant flavor than pre-packaged zest.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free butter alternatives. Just keep the milk warm to activate the yeast properly, and you’ll still get delicious results.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Definitely! This recipe scales well and is perfect for gatherings. Just be sure to allow enough space for the dough to rise properly in larger bowls and pans.

Do the rolls freeze best before or after baking?

Freezing before baking, after the first rise and shaping, is ideal. This way you can bake fresh rolls straight from the freezer whenever you want. If freezing after baking, make sure they’re cooled and wrapped tightly to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about baking a batch of these Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe—the bright lemon aroma, the soft, sweet dough, and that luscious glaze all come together to create a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these rolls bring a sunny touch to your table that’s hard to beat. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your favorites!

Print