Bright, tender, and irresistibly fluffy, these Lemon Sweet Rolls capture everything you love about a classic cinnamon roll but swap out the cozy spice for a zesty citrus twist. Each pillowy swirl is layered with tangy lemon zest and a shimmer of golden sugar, topped with a fresh, lemony glaze that gives this treat an eye-catching shine. Whether you serve them at spring brunches, for special breakfasts, or as a sunshiny dessert, Lemon Sweet Rolls never fail to bring a burst of joy and flavor to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised at how everyday ingredients can come together to make such an extraordinary treat! Each component has its own important job here: building a dough that’s airy and soft, a filling that practically glows with citrus flavor, and a glaze that looks (and tastes) like pure sunshine.
- Whole milk (warm): Gives the dough a rich, tender base and helps activate the yeast for an amazing rise.
- Active dry yeast: Turns your dough into a pillowy, bakery-worthy roll—make sure it’s fresh for the best lift.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the dough and filling for balanced flavor throughout.
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Adds luscious richness to the dough and that irresistible buttery taste to the filling.
- Large egg: Brings the dough together and adds chewiness and color.
- Salt: Balances the sweet and bright flavors so every bite pops.
- All-purpose flour: The secret to that perfect, fluffy structure in every roll.
- Lemon zest: Packs in pure, sunny lemon flavor—don’t skimp here!
- Powdered sugar: Creates the silky, cloud-like glaze on top.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds tartness and tang to the icing for extra lemon punch.
- Milk (for icing): Helps thin the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining your warm milk and active dry yeast in a small bowl. You’ll want the milk to be warm but not hot—think of the temperature of a relaxing bath, so the yeast can wake up gently. After 5 to 10 minutes, you’ll see it foam up and become bubbly. That’s your sign you’re on track to dreamy Lemon Sweet Rolls!
Step 2: Mix the Dough Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add in your foamy yeast mixture and stir until everything’s just blended. This sets up the dough’s luscious flavor and pillowy texture.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead your dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re using a stand mixer, let the dough hook do the work for about 5 minutes. Your dough should feel springy and just slightly tacky.
Step 4: First Rise
Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise somewhere warm for about 1 hour. You’re aiming for it to double in size, which makes the rolls extra fluffy and airy.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling
While the dough is rising, stir together sugar and lemon zest for your filling. Rub them together with your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant and lemony—this quick step really unlocks that bright, sunshine aroma in your Lemon Sweet Rolls.
Step 6: Assemble the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down and roll it into a 12×16-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle on every last bit of your lemon sugar. Starting from the long edge, roll it tightly into a log, and then slice into 12 even pieces. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Second Rise
Cover your shaped rolls and let them rise again for 30 minutes. This shorter rise gives you those dreamy, towering spirals that make Lemon Sweet Rolls so tempting.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed. The lemony aroma will tell you when they’re just right!
Step 9: Lemon Glaze Magic
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, extra zest, and enough milk to create a thick but pourable icing. Spread it over the warm Lemon Sweet Rolls so it melts into every swirl and crevice. Serve and get ready for instant smiles!
How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
Garnish your Lemon Sweet Rolls with extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices for a pop of color and a little more zesty fragrance. If you want to get fancy, scatter a few edible flowers on top for a beautiful brunch centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve these rolls with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh berries, or a crisp fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch. A pot of hot tea or a sweetened iced coffee makes the citrus flavors shine even brighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try placing your Lemon Sweet Rolls on a tiered serving tray for an elegant brunch spread, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering. Mini parchment paper liners or a pretty dusting of powdered sugar add even more charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Sweet Rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for about 4 days. Keep them well covered so they stay moist and fluffy.
Freezing
You can freeze baked (and even unbaked) Lemon Sweet Rolls! For baked rolls, let them cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For future convenience, you can also freeze unbaked, cut rolls—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per roll, or warm several at once in a low oven (about 300°F) until soft and gooey again. If needed, add a fresh drizzle of glaze after warming.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Sweet Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After shaping the rolls and placing them in the pan, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed for a perfectly fresh morning treat.
Can I add cream cheese to the icing?
Yes! For a richer, tangier glaze, blend 2 ounces of softened cream cheese with the other icing ingredients. It makes the rolls taste extra decadent, especially paired with all that fresh lemon.
How can I make the rolls even more lemony?
For next-level citrus flavor, brush the warm rolls with a quick lemon syrup (just lemon juice and sugar simmered together) before adding the glaze. It will soak into each swirl for a burst of zesty tartness!
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
You can definitely knead the dough by hand! It might take a few extra minutes of gentle kneading, but the result is every bit as fluffy and satisfying.
Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg replacer. The Lemon Sweet Rolls will still come out soft, flavorful, and full of sunshine!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday, a holiday brunch, or just a much-needed pick-me-up, Lemon Sweet Rolls will brighten up your table and your day. Give them a try, and watch everyone reach for just one more swirl of that sparkling citrus magic!
Print
Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful citrus twist on classic cinnamon rolls. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a bright lemon sugar mixture and topped with a zesty lemon icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Combine warm milk and yeast. Mix sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt. Add yeast mixture and flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the filling: Mix sugar and lemon zest. Roll out dough, spread butter, sprinkle sugar mixture, roll into a log, and cut into rolls.
- Bake: Place rolls in a baking dish. Let rise again. Bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and milk. Spread over warm rolls.
Notes
- Prepare the rolls the night before for easy morning baking.
- Add cream cheese to the icing for a richer taste.
- Enhance the lemon flavor by brushing rolls with lemon syrup before adding icing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
