There’s something genuinely uplifting about starting the day with a warm, freshly baked Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Roll. Picture this: golden, pillowy dough swirled with bright lemon zest and crunchy poppy seeds, all draped in a tangy-sweet citrus glaze. These rolls are a joyful twist on classic cinnamon buns, making every bite sing with flavor. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, sharing with friends, or treating yourself on a slow Sunday morning, Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls spark happiness and a touch of indulgence. They’re sunshine in pastry form, and honestly, you’ll want to whip up a batch any time you crave something special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the true beauties of Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls is how each simple ingredient brings texture, taste, or vibrancy to the table. Don’t let the list intimidate you – everything works together to create rolls that are truly greater than the sum of their parts!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving the rolls their soft, fluffy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough and caramelizes slightly while baking.
- Active dry yeast: The secret to light, airy rolls that rise beautifully every time.
- Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the lemony notes.
- Whole milk, warmed: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough – don’t skip the warming step!
- Unsalted butter (melted and softened): Brings out flavor and creates the luscious, gooey filling.
- Large eggs: Help the dough rise high and keep the texture soft.
- Zest of lemons: Finely grated zest brings the essential citrus punch – don’t hold back!
- Poppy seeds: These tiny seeds add crunch, flavor, and that classic “lemon poppy” charm.
- Powdered sugar: The base for a glaze that’s glossy and perfectly sweet.
- Fresh lemon juice: Doubles down on the zing in the irresistible glaze.
- Milk (for the glaze): Loosens the glaze just enough so it drizzles like a dream.
How to Make Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by combining 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, active dry yeast, and salt in a large bowl. The warm milk, melted butter, eggs, and fresh lemon zest all get mixed in, transforming this humble blend into a rich, fragrant dough. Slowly add the last 1/2 cup of flour as the dough comes together – if it’s a little sticky, that’s perfectly fine! Knead until silky-smooth and elastic, about 5 to 7 minutes. Pop it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for an hour, or until it’s doubled in size and looks ready for a hug.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While your dough rises, get excited for the filling! Creamy, softened butter is spread over the rolled dough, then showered with a mixture of granulated sugar, dazzling lemon zest, and those charming little poppy seeds. This trio is what gives Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls their signature spark and gentle crunch.
Step 3: Roll, Slice, and Second Rise
Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a generous 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread your filling right to the edges. Starting from the long side, roll it up tightly into a log – think of it as rolling up all your anticipation and hope for the breakfast to come! Slice into 12 even pieces and nestle them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let them rise again, covered, for about 30 minutes. You’ll see them puff up, promising melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, watching as they turn irresistibly golden and your kitchen fills with citrusy aromas. Your Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are ready when they’re lightly browned on top and cooked through – you’ll know by their tempting scent!
Step 5: Drizzle the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls are still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk for a glaze that balances tart and sweet like a dream. Drizzle generously over the rolls and watch it melt into every crevice, then grab a fork (or just your fingers – we won’t judge) and enjoy the first bite while they’re still warm.
How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try scattering a little extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of poppy seeds over the glaze. The extra burst of zest looks sunny and bright, and a dusting of powdered sugar adds bakery-style charm. If you like, a few thin ribbons of candied lemon peel can add both flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing these Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls with a creamy Greek yogurt parfait or a vibrant fruit salad brings out their zippy, fresh flavors. For a special breakfast or brunch, serve with hot coffee, cold brew, or a pot of herbal tea. The gentle sweetness of the rolls balances beautifully with savory options, so don’t hesitate to add eggs or a crisp side of bacon, either!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, arrange the rolls in a circular “flower” pattern on a platter for a stunning centerpiece. For brunches, offer them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. If you want to go all out, lay out a DIY toppings bar with extra lemon glaze, whipped cream, or fruit preserves so everyone can customize their own perfect sweet roll.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If—by some small chance—you have leftover Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls, simply allow them to cool completely, then cover tightly or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They stay soft and are perfect for the next morning, especially with a quick reheat!
Freezing
You can easily freeze these sweet rolls for a rainy day! After baking and cooling, wrap each roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For best flavor, add the glaze after thawing, just before serving. They keep well for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a roll in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or until just warmed through. If you’re reheating a whole pan, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Don’t forget to add a fresh drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for that just-baked magic!
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. In the morning, let them come to room temperature and finish that last rise before baking for ultimate brunch readiness.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, instant yeast works just as well and can be mixed straight into the dry ingredients without proofing. Your rise times might shorten a bit, so keep an eye on the dough rather than the clock.
Are Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls suitable for vegetarians?
They’re absolutely vegetarian-friendly, relying only on dairy and eggs for their rich texture and flavor. If you need to make them dairy-free, swap in your favorite plant-based milk and butter.
Can I add vanilla to the glaze?
Definitely! A splash of vanilla extract adds an extra layer of cozy sweetness and balances the tangy lemon in the glaze. It’s a lovely little twist.
What’s the best way to zest lemons for this recipe?
Use a microplane or fine grater for the freshest, brightest zest. Be careful to avoid the white pith underneath—that part is bitter, and we want nothing but sunshiney lemon flavor here!
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of a sweet, tangy treat that makes any morning feel extra special, you must try Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls. They’re pure, citrusy comfort with a bit of playful crunch, and every bite is a little bit of joy on a plate. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself—you’ll be glad you did!
Print
Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (including rise time)
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds with these Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls. Soft, fluffy dough filled with a lemon-sugar mixture, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a tangy lemon glaze.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- zest of 1 lemon
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add milk, butter, eggs, and lemon zest. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Make the Filling: Spread softened butter over rolled-out dough. Sprinkle sugar, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Roll up and slice.
- Rise and Bake: Arrange rolls in a baking dish, let rise, then bake until golden brown.
- Glaze and Serve: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- Enhance the glaze with a touch of vanilla extract.
- Best enjoyed fresh or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
