If you’re craving something gooey, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy brightness, these Lemon Rolls are pure sunshine baked in a pan. Imagine the pillowy softness of classic sweet rolls, but with a vibrant lemon twist that makes every bite zing with fresh flavor. Melt-in-your-mouth dough, a tangy-sweet filling, and a drippy lemon glaze work together in perfect harmony, making this recipe a must-have for leisurely brunches, desserts, or anytime you want to treat yourself (or someone you love) to homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—this Lemon Rolls recipe keeps things simple, yet each element plays a starring role in flavor and texture. You likely have many of these on hand already, and together they create a bake that’s light, zesty, and impossible to resist.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for pillowy rolls—be sure to measure correctly for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to both the dough and filling, making the citrus pop.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet): Gives the rolls their irresistible rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and accentuates the tangy lemon notes.
- Warm milk (about 110°F): Activates the yeast and enriches the dough for extra tenderness.
- Unsalted butter (melted & softened): Lends rich flavor and makes the rolls soft and decadent; use melted for dough and softened for the filling.
- Large egg: Adds structure and extra richness to the dough.
- Lemon zest and juice: The heroes of this recipe, providing bold citrus flavor and aroma in both filling and glaze.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily for a silky-smooth lemon glaze that finishes the rolls beautifully.
How to Make Lemon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk (about 110°F), a quarter cup of sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it a little stir and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it gets frothy—this is how you know your yeast is alive and ready to lift your Lemon Rolls sky high!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add melted butter, the egg, salt, and 2 1/2 cups of flour to the foamy yeast mixture. Mix until a soft dough starts to form. Gradually sprinkle in the remaining 1/2 cup flour if your dough seems sticky. Now, knead the dough—either by hand or with your dough hook—for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s smooth, elastic, and just a little tacky.
Step 3: First Rise
Shape your dough into a ball and nestle it into a greased bowl. Cover it up and let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This is when the magic happens and those Lemon Rolls get their signature fluffiness.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Filling
While your dough rises, make the filling by stirring together half a cup of sugar, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl. The aroma is incredible and you’ll see the sugar take on a golden, citrussy hue. This mixture is going to give your rolls all the zip and tang they need.
Step 5: Roll Out and Fill
Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the lemon filling all the way to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Roll Up & Slice
Roll the dough up tightly, working from the long side so you’ll get plenty of luscious swirls. Slice your log into 12 even rolls—a serrated knife works best! Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for 30 to 40 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake the Lemon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F while the rolls finish their second rise. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, just until the tops are golden and your kitchen smells impossibly good. Try not to open the oven too often—you want all that fluffy rise to stay in the pan!
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
As soon as they’re done baking, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a bit of zest into a sweet-tart glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm rolls. This step instantly turns your finished Lemon Rolls into a glossy, bakery-worthy treat.
How to Serve Lemon Rolls
Garnishes
For next-level flair and flavor, top your Lemon Rolls with extra fresh lemon zest, a scattering of candied lemon slices, or even a handful of edible flowers. Each garnish not only looks gorgeous but also amps up the citrusy aroma—perfect for that “wow” moment as you serve.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet-tart rolls with a bowl of fresh berries, a creamy vanilla yogurt, or a refreshing fruit salad. If you’re making brunch, a big mug of coffee or a glass of chilled lemonade is just the thing to complement your Lemon Rolls.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, stack the rolls high on a pretty cake stand or serve individual rolls in brightly colored cupcake wrappers. For special occasions, dust them with a little extra powdered sugar right before serving or package in a gift box with a ribbon for a cheerful homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Lemon Rolls left (and that’s a big “if”!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. They’ll stay soft and luscious—just let them come to room temperature before enjoying, or give them a quick warm-up for that just-baked feel.
Freezing
Lemon Rolls freeze beautifully! After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash in the freezer for up to two months. For best flavor, freeze without the glaze and drizzle fresh after reheating, though you can freeze with glaze if you prefer convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual Lemon Rolls for 20 to 30 seconds or warm the whole pan (covered with foil) in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. If the glaze absorbs during freezing, whisk up a quick batch and drizzle after heating for that ooey-gooey finish.
FAQs
Can I prepare the Lemon Rolls the night before?
Absolutely! After slicing the rolls and placing them in your baking dish, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let the rolls come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking as directed. This makes them perfect for a fresh-baked breakfast with minimal morning fuss.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon?
Use a microplane or fine grater to gently remove the outermost yellow layer of the lemon—this is where all the aromatic oils and bright flavor live. Avoid the bitter white pith underneath to keep your Lemon Rolls tasting sweet and fresh.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for this recipe, as it delivers the pure, zingy flavor that makes Lemon Rolls so irresistible. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but the taste may be more muted or slightly bitter.
How do I make these rolls extra lemony?
If you’re wild for lemon, stir a drop or two of lemon extract into the glaze and add additional zest to both the filling and the glaze. You can even use Meyer lemons for a unique, slightly floral citrus twist!
Are Lemon Rolls vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. If you need a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer—the rolls will still be tender and delicious, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
With their tangy-sweet flavor, fluffy crumb, and sunny looks, Lemon Rolls are the ultimate treat to brighten any table. If you love lemon, or just want to bake something cheerful and special, don’t hesitate—this recipe will quickly become a feel-good favorite in your baking rotation. Grab your ingredients and give these rolls a whirl—you’ll be delighted at how easy (and delicious) homemade magic can be!
Print
Lemon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the bright, citrusy flavors of these Lemon Rolls, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a zesty lemon mixture, topped with a tangy glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Add butter, egg, salt, and most of the flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the Filling: Combine sugar, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl.
- Assemble Rolls: Roll out dough, spread with butter and lemon mixture, roll up, cut into rolls, and place in a baking dish.
- Bake: Let rise, then bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Enhance the glaze with a drop of lemon extract for more citrus flavor.
- Prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate for a quick bake in the morning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
