Lemon Raspberry Rolls

Lemon Raspberry Rolls are a delightful treat that bring together the bright flavors of lemon and the tartness of raspberries. Imagine stepping into your kitchen where the aroma of fresh citrus tangles with sweet berries, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. These rolls are not only a joy to bake, but they also turn any meal into a special occasion. Whether you’re looking for a standout dish for brunch or a comforting dessert to share with family, these rolls hit the spot. As you knead the dough and watch it rise, the anticipation builds, and soon your kitchen will be filled with warm, buttery goodness. With a swirl of gooey lemon filling and pops of raspberry, each bite melts in your mouth. Top it off with a creamy icing, and you have a treat that’s hard to resist. So, grab your apron, and let’s make some Lemon Raspberry Rolls!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines classic lemon flavor with the tartness of raspberries for a refreshing and balanced treat. The bright lemon zest dances beautifully with the sweet-tart notes of the raspberries, creating a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. What truly stands out is the dough’s texture. It remains soft and gooey, so when you sink your teeth in, it feels like a warm hug that just melts in your mouth. Plus, let’s not forget about the cream cheese icing. It adds a rich layer of flavor, elevating these rolls to true dessert status. Each bite delivers a delightful combination of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess, making every moment spent with these rolls a pleasurable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Raspberry Rolls

You’ll absolutely love these Lemon Raspberry Rolls for several reasons. First, they’re perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a late-night snack when you’re craving something sweet. Imagine serving these warm rolls at a weekend gathering—everyone will be raving about them! Beyond the taste, they are visually stunning. Their presentation makes them a showstopper, ideal for both festive occasions and intimate family meals. The vibrant colors of the raspberry filling peeking through white icing create a mouthwatering contrast that simply looks delicious. Lastly, the process of baking fills your kitchen with wonderful citrus and berry aromas. That sense of warmth and comfort brings everyone together, making these rolls a delightful experience in baking and sharing.

Ingredients for Lemon Raspberry Rolls

You’ll need a few key ingredients to bring these lovely Lemon Raspberry Rolls to life:

• 1 cup Milk, warmed to 110℉
• 2 1/4 tsp Active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 2 Large eggs, room temperature
• 2 Large lemons, zested (or 4 small lemons)
• 4 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 10 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature and cubed
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature (for filling)
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 cups Frozen raspberry crumbles
• 1/2 cup Heavy cream
• 4 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature (for icing)
• 4 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 Large lemon, zested (or 2 small lemons)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 TBSP Mashed raspberries

Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to making a batch of delightful rolls that everyone will love!

Prepare the Lemon Dough

Activate the Yeast

Start by warming the milk in the microwave for about 1 minute until it reaches 110℉. Sprinkling the yeast over the warm milk is crucial. Give it about 10 minutes to sit undisturbed—it should become frothy. That frothiness means the yeast is all set to work its magic!

Mix Dry Ingredients

While the yeast does its thing, grab a large bowl and combine the flour, sugar, and salt. This step is simple but vital. Next, add the cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Now, with a pastry cutter or your hands, mix until the butter takes on a pea-sized shape. This creates a flaky texture that you’ll love.

Combine and Knead

In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it in along with the eggs and the lemon zest into the dry ingredients. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook on low speed will help bring it all together. As the mixture forms a dough, you can increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

Let the Dough Rise

Spray a large bowl with non-stick spray and place your dough inside. Cover it with a kitchen towel, allowing it to rise for about 1 hour until it doubles in size. The wait is hard, but trust the process; the dough will become fluffy and lovely.

Create the Lemon Raspberry Filling

Prepare the Lemon Filling

For the filling, beat the butter in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Then, add the sugar and lemon zest, mixing everything until it’s well combined. This filling is the heart of your rolls—so good!

Prepare the Raspberries

Next, take those frozen raspberries and crumble them into small pieces using your hands. This step is pretty simple and adds a delightful burst of flavor to each bite of your rolls.

Roll Out Dough

Now, it’s time to roll out the dough! On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. You want it to be even because this ensures every roll is just as delicious. Spread that fantastic lemon filling evenly over the dough and then sprinkle the raspberry crumbles on top.

Shape the Rolls

Starting from the short side, roll the dough into a log. This requires a bit of gentle pressure, so it holds together well. Cut off the ends, then slice the log into 12 even pieces. You’ll be placing these rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.

Second Rise

Cover the pan with a towel again and let those beauties rise for another 20 minutes. This step makes them light and fluffy. As a final touch before they go into the oven, pour the heavy cream gently between the rolls. This adds moisture during baking, creating the perfect texture.

Bake the Lemon Raspberry Rolls

Preheat and Bake

Now we’re getting so close! Preheat your oven to 375℉. Bake your rolls for about 23-27 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want to catch them just at the right moment!

Make the Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheese Icing

Prepare the Mashed Berries

If you’re using frozen raspberries for the icing, place about 1/3 cup on a plate and microwave them for 20 seconds. Mash them with a fork or a potato masher until they are nice and smooth.

Mix the Icing

In a small bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese on high speed for 1 minute until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Then mix on low until just combined; increase to medium speed and beat it until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the mashed raspberries, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. This icing is the perfect complement to your rolls!

Ice the Rolls

Once the rolls have cooled just slightly, take a spoon and spread the icing over them. Watching the creamy goodness melt into the warm rolls is a sight that will make anyone’s mouth water.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Raspberry Rolls shine when served with a cup of iced tea or fresh lemonade. The tartness of the drinks complements the sweetness of the rolls perfectly. You might also consider serving them alongside yogurt for a balanced breakfast or snack. The combination will leave you reaching for just one more bite!

Storage Tips

To keep your leftover rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well to maintain their flavor!

Tips for Success

A few simple tips can take your baking to the next level. First, make sure the butter is softened for smooth mixing. Second, allow for proper rising time; this is key for those fluffy rolls you crave. Trust that little bit of patience will yield tasty results.

Variations

Feeling creative? You can swap out raspberries for blueberries or strawberries for a delicious twist. Another idea is to sprinkle some poppy seeds into the icing. This tiny addition will enhance the flavor and texture in a delightful way.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries are great. Just skip the crumbling step and sprinkle them directly on the filling.

2. How can I make these rolls ahead of time?
You can prepare the rolls, place them in the baking pan, cover them, and refrigerate overnight. When morning comes, just let them rise before baking.

3. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough doesn’t rise, check the yeast. It may not be active if your milk was too hot or too cold.

4. Can these rolls be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

5. How can I make the icing less sweet?
To tone down the sweetness, reduce the powdered sugar in the icing. You can add a bit more lemon juice for tanginess too.

Indulging in Lemon Raspberry Rolls is a delightful experience that combines sweet, tart, and creamy textures into a perfect rolled treat. Perfect for brunch with friends or a quiet afternoon at home, these rolls balance lemony brightness with the joy of fresh raspberries, inviting everyone to enjoy simple yet delicious homemade baking. Whether you bake a batch for a gathering or just for yourself, the comfort and warmth of these rolls are undeniable, making them a staple recipe for any season!

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