Lemon Rolls

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will brighten up your mornings, these Lemon Rolls are just what you need! There’s something magical about the combination of soft, fluffy dough and zesty lemon flavor. Every bite is like a little burst of sunshine, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to special family gatherings. Trust me, once you make these lemon rolls, they’ll become a beloved recipe in your home!

These rolls not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re serving them at brunch or enjoying them with a cup of tea, they are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 90 minutes, these lemon rolls can be made without fuss.
• Perfectly Fluffy: The combination of yeast and buttermilk creates a soft and airy texture that everyone loves.
• Gooey Centers: Each roll has a delightful filling that makes every bite absolutely delicious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dough ahead of time for those busy mornings!
• Zesty Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome. Let’s gather what we need to create these scrumptious lemon rolls!

For the Dough

• 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + additional flour added later in the process (530g)
• 4 1/2 tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
• 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds – optional
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)

For the Filling

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
• Fresh Lemon Zest

Other Supplies

• 9 x13-inch Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook or Danish Dough Whisk
• Ruler
• Dental Floss

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add a Twist: Mix in some dried cranberries or blueberries for added fruity goodness.
• Lemon Poppyseed Delight: If you love poppy seeds, double up on them for extra crunch and texture!
• Cream Cheese Filling: Swap out some of the butter for cream cheese mixed with lemon zest for a richer filling.
• Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a unique flavor twist.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the warm buttermilk and yeast in your stand mixer. This step is important because it activates the yeast! Let it sit for about five minutes until it becomes frothy. Then add in your sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms. Knead until smooth; this helps develop gluten which gives your rolls that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 2: Rise Time

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size—about 30 minutes. This is crucial as it allows the yeast to do its magic!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is rising, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, softened butter, and lemon zest to create an ooey-gooey filling. The sweetness balanced with zesty brightness makes this filling truly special.

Step 4: Roll It Out

Once your dough has risen nicely, roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread your filling evenly over the surface. Don’t forget to leave some space at the edges! Rolling tightly is key here so that each slice reveals that beautiful swirl.

Step 5: Shape Your Rolls

Using dental floss or a sharp knife, cut your rolled dough into equal pieces—about 12 works well! Place them in a parchment-lined pan so they have room to rise again while baking.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover your shaped rolls again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This second rise helps create those fluffy centers we all crave!

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake those beauties for about 28 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly baked but not overdone!

Step 8: Make the Icing

While they bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth. Once your rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drench them in this heavenly icing!

And there you have it—your very own batch of warm Lemon Rolls! Enjoy sharing these with friends or savoring them solo during a quiet moment with coffee. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Rolls

Making lemon rolls can be an enjoyable experience, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will brighten the flavor of your rolls significantly, making them taste more vibrant and delicious.

• Check your yeast: Always make sure your instant dry yeast is fresh. If it’s expired, the rolls may not rise as beautifully, resulting in dense lemon rolls instead of light and fluffy ones.

• Knead the dough properly: Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives your rolls that soft, pillowy texture. Aim for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

• Allow proper rising time: Don’t rush the rising process! Giving the dough enough time to double in size helps achieve that perfect fluffy texture in your rolls.

• Drizzle icing while warm: Once baked, drizzle the lemon icing over the rolls while they are still warm. This allows the icing to melt slightly into the rolls, creating a delightful gooey center.

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

These lemon rolls are not just a treat; they’re a centerpiece for any breakfast or brunch spread! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a lovely touch of color and a hint of freshness that complements the citrus flavors.
• Lemon slices: Thinly sliced lemons placed around the plate can enhance presentation and offer a zesty bite if guests desire.
• Poppy seeds: Sprinkling some extra poppy seeds on top not only looks beautiful but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Fruit salad: A vibrant fruit salad with seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi adds color and complements the citrus notes of the lemon rolls.
• Yogurt parfaits: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
• Scrambled eggs: Soft scrambled eggs seasoned with a pinch of salt provide protein and creaminess that pairs wonderfully with sweet pastries.
• Coffee or herbal tea: A warm beverage enhances the overall experience; choose a light herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee to offset the sweetness of the lemon rolls perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your lemon rolls will shine at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These lemon rolls are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the lemon rolls to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cooled lemon roll individually in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the rolls on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making lemon rolls.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for lemon rolls?

Absolutely! All-purpose flour works perfectly for these lemon rolls, giving you that soft and fluffy texture we all love.

What is the best way to make lemon rolls from scratch?

Making lemon rolls from scratch involves mixing your ingredients, allowing the dough to rise, shaping it, and then baking. Follow my detailed recipe above for step-by-step instructions!

How do I add more lemon flavor to my lemon rolls?

For an extra punch of citrus, you can increase the amount of fresh lemon zest used in both the dough and icing. Adding a splash more lemon juice can also enhance that tangy flavor.

Can I make lemon rolls without using eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) per egg for a vegan alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these lemon rolls as I am! Their soft, gooey centers and bright citrus flavor make them truly special for any breakfast or brunch occasion. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with friends and family—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness. Happy baking!

---

Dinner