Lemon Sweet Rolls

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a wonderful treat that can brighten any day! Imagine waking up on a Saturday morning, the sun shining through your window, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked rolls wafting through your kitchen. These rolls are not just any rolls; they are infused with zesty lemon flavor and topped with creamy icing, creating a delicious contrast that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re enjoying them by yourself with a steaming cup of coffee or sharing them with family, each bite is like a little burst of joy. So, let’s gather our ingredients, roll up our sleeves, and make these delightful Lemon Sweet Rolls together!

Why This Recipe Works

This Lemon Sweet Rolls recipe is designed to create soft, fluffy rolls with the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The combination of milk, butter, and instant yeast allows the dough to rise beautifully, resulting in a light and airy texture. By using freshly zested lemons, you infuse the rolls with a vibrant citrus flavor that elevates this sweet treat to new heights.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Sweet Rolls

If you’re a fan of lemony desserts, these Lemon Sweet Rolls will quickly become your favorite weekend treat. Topped with homemade cream cheese icing, they strike the perfect balance between citrus sweetness and creamy indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast delight or an afternoon snack, these rolls bring sunshine to your table.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• ¾ cup milk, at room temperature (180 grams)
• ¼ cup butter, melted (30 grams)
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 grams)
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast (5 grams)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (40 grams)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3 grams)
• Vegetable oil for greasing

For the Lemon Sugar Filling

• ¼ cup butter, softened at room temperature (60 grams)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest (from approximately 3 lemons), divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for topping)

Prepare the Dough

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly creates a wonderful base for your dough.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly mixed. It’s important to get these proportions right.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until no dry flour remains, making sure to scrape the bowl’s sides to ensure thorough mixing.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the mixture to a clean surface. Knead for about 5 minutes until a soft, smooth dough forms. This dough is pleasantly pliable because of its fat content, making it fun to work with.

Proof the Dough (First Rise)

Let Dough Rise

Once your dough is kneaded, return it to the mixing bowl. Lightly grease the surface with vegetable oil, then cover it with a lid. Let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight, until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for creating fluffy rolls.

Shape the Lemon Rolls (Second Rise)

Roll Out the Dough

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 20×14-inch rectangle. It’s essential to get the right dimensions to ensure enough filling is spread evenly.

Add Filling

Spread softened butter evenly over the dough first. Next, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle this mixture over the butter, ensuring a delightful lemony flavor throughout.

Roll and Cut

Now, tightly roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal. Cut this log into 12 equal pieces, about 1.5 inches wide, and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch casserole pan.

Let Rolls Rise Again

Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a Ziploc bag. Let it rise in a warm area for another hour until doubled in size. This second rise makes all the difference in texture.

Bake the Lemon Rolls

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven is essential for perfectly baked rolls.

Bake

Sprinkle the remaining lemon zest evenly over the rolls. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through. Once done, allow the rolls to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. The smell will make it hard to wait!

Make the Cream Cheese Icing

Beat Cream Cheese

Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. This will create a creamy base for your icing.

Add Sugar and Lemon

Mix in the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until the icing is creamy. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can use a whisk and spatula.

Frost the Rolls

Finally, spread cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle additional lemon zest on top for an extra zing!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Lemon Sweet Rolls warm. They make an excellent breakfast or pair nicely with tea in the afternoon. Consider adding fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete experience.

Tips for Success

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This allows for the optimum dough rise.
• Kneading the dough by hand promotes better texture, especially due to the fat in the butter.
• Give the rolls plenty of time to rise; patience truly makes a difference!

Variations

To mix things up, consider adding poppy seeds to the filling for some extra texture. Alternatively, replace lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor. You might also try substituting the cream cheese icing with a light lemon glaze.

Storage Tips

To maintain freshness, store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pairing Ideas

These sweet rolls shine alongside coffee, herbal tea, or even a refreshing glass of lemonade.

FAQs

How do I know when the dough is ready to rise?
The dough should have doubled in size and feel soft and elastic to the touch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the dough ahead and refrigerating overnight makes for an easy morning bake.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead. Just remember to activate it in warm milk before mixing.

Can I freeze the rolls?
Absolutely! You can freeze the baked rolls and reheat them in the oven, which gives them that fresh-baked taste.

How can I make these rolls more tart?
Increasing the amount of lemon zest in both the filling and the icing will give a more pronounced lemon flavor.

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of citrus with comforting sweetness, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, topped with creamy icing, and embrace the joy they bring to your kitchen!

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