Description
Soft and fluffy sweet rolls bursting with bright lemon flavor, topped with a simple lemon glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the granulated sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the remaining granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by combining sugar, lemon zest, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
- Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one long edge.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long edge opposite the border. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Cut the roll into 12 equal slices. Place the slices cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed for desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
Notes
- Ensure your milk is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest to the dough.
- The rolls can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before the second rise and baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lemon sweet rolls, sweet bread, cinnamon rolls, lemon glaze, breakfast pastry, dessert rolls