Lemon Rolls

These Lemon Rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. The combination of soft, fluffy dough with a gooey lemon sugar filling and a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply indulging yourself, these rolls are sure to impress. Their bright flavor and unique sweetness will brighten any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these lemon rolls are beginner-friendly.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing taste that stands out.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy them as breakfast, a snack, or dessert—perfect for any time of day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These rolls are great for gatherings; they are sure to disappear quickly.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

To make these lemon rolls successfully, having the right tools will streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or mixing bowl: A stand mixer makes kneading easier, ensuring a well-mixed dough. If using a bowl, hand-kneading works too!
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, allowing for better filling distribution.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk, warmed to about 110 degrees
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp granulated white sugar, to bloom the yeast
• 4 3/4 cups (593 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla
• 2 tbsp (20 g) lemon zest, about 2 lemons zested

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, very softened
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 tbsp (20 g) lemon zest, about 2 lemons zested
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Assembly and Frosting

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream, for pouring in between the rolls
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cold
• 3/4 cup (97 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tbsp (5 g) lemon zest, about 1/2 lemon zested
• 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the warmed milk, active dry yeast, and granulated white sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture along with eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Knead the dough on a floured surface or use your stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated white sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.

Step 7: Spread Filling

Spread the filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Step 8: Roll & Cut

Starting from one edge of the rectangle, tightly roll up the dough into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces.

Step 9: Arrange & Rise Again

Place rolls on prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 10: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Prepare Frosting

While baking, beat together softened butter, cold cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until creamy.

Step 12: Frost & Serve

Once cooled slightly after baking, drizzle or spread frosting over warm rolls. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Rolls!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, these fluffy rolls are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Breakfast Delight

• Serve warm with a side of fresh fruit. The sweetness of the lemon rolls pairs perfectly with the tartness of berries.
• Drizzle with honey. A touch of honey adds an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.

Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea. The citrus flavor complements the soothing quality of tea, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
• Pair with yogurt. The creaminess of yogurt balances the sweet and tangy flavors of the lemon rolls.

Dessert Extravaganza

• Top with extra lemon cream cheese frosting. For those who love a little more sweetness, this is an indulgent way to enjoy lemon rolls.
• Serve alongside vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm rolls for an unforgettable dessert experience.

How to Perfect Lemon Rolls

To ensure your lemon rolls turn out soft and fluffy every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use warm milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast properly, resulting in a lighter dough.
• Knead well: Kneading develops gluten in the dough, giving your rolls their soft texture. Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading.
• Let it rise: Allowing the dough to rise until doubled in size is crucial for achieving fluffy rolls.
• Don’t skip the zest: Fresh lemon zest enhances the flavor significantly, so use freshly zested lemons for best results.
• Cool before frosting: Let your lemon rolls cool slightly before adding frosting to prevent it from melting off.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their bright flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside your lemon rolls.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious and satisfying pairing.
3. Herbal Tea Varieties: Chamomile or mint tea provides a soothing drink that pairs beautifully with sweet treats.
4. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette balances the richness of the rolls nicely.
5. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta offer a creamy contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors.
6. Fruit Smoothie: A refreshing smoothie made from bananas, spinach, and citrus can enhance your breakfast or snack experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast activation: If yeast is not bloomed properly in warm milk, your rolls won’t rise. Always ensure the liquid is at the right temperature (around 110°F).
• Overmixing dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough rolls. Mix until just combined and smooth for fluffy results.
• Not using enough flour: Using too little flour can make the dough sticky and hard to handle. Spoon and level flour when measuring to avoid this mistake.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing dough to rise is crucial for texture. Be patient—let it double in size before rolling.
• Improper storage: Not storing lemon rolls in the right container can dry them out. Use airtight containers for best freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store lemon rolls in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Lemon Rolls

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place rolls on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place one roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, add a sprinkle of water, and cover. Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making lemon rolls.

How do I make Lemon Rolls gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately.

Can I use other citrus fruits in my Lemon Rolls?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with lime or orange zest and juice for a different flavor profile.

What if my Lemon Rolls don’t rise?

If your rolls don’t rise, check if your yeast is fresh and activated properly. Warmer temperatures help create the ideal environment for rising.

How do I get gooey filling in my Lemon Rolls?

Adding brown sugar and lemon juice in the filling creates that gooey texture you desire. Ensure it’s well mixed before spreading it on the dough.

Can I make these Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts

These lemon rolls are not only soft and fluffy but also bursting with citrus flavor thanks to the gooey filling and creamy frosting. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of day. Try customizing them with different citrus fruits or adding nuts for extra texture!