Description
These delightful Lemon Rolls feature a soft, buttery dough infused with fresh lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine the comforting texture of classic rolls with a bright citrus twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, mix melted butter, salt, all-purpose flour, egg, and lemon zest together. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter evenly over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and drizzle fresh lemon juice over it. Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other.
- Cut Rolls: Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them with some space to expand.
- Second Rise: Cover the rolls and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
- Preheat Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
- Make Lemon Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until the glaze is smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the rolls come out of the oven and are still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze over them evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh citrus flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Kneading time is essential to develop gluten for a soft, elastic dough.
- Allowing the rolls to rise twice ensures a light, fluffy texture.
- For extra lemon flavor, add more zest to the glaze or dough as desired.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently before serving to soften the butter inside.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
