Ultimate Lemon Rolls Recipe Guide for Home Cooks & Families

Introduction

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, lemon rolls are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This ultimate guide walks home cooks and families through creating tender, aromatic rolls that are light, sweet, and full of citrusy brightness. With a buttery dough and a simple lemon glaze, these rolls are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk, warm

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs to the dry ingredients.

4. Knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 8–10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes in a stand mixer.

Step 2: First Rise

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel.

2. Let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll the dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.

2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough.

3. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.

4. Cut into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased baking pan.

Step 5: Second Rise & Bake

1. Cover the pan and let rolls rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

2. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

3. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

1. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla (if using).

2. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.

3. Serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Rolls

• Use room-temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better dough rise.

• Don’t overfill the rolls to prevent leakage while baking.

• For extra lemony flavor, brush the baked rolls with additional lemon juice before glazing.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat slightly before serving to restore softness.

Variations

• Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls: Add 2 tablespoons poppy seeds to the filling.

• Cream Cheese Lemon Rolls: Mix ½ cup cream cheese into the lemon filling for a richer texture.

• Mini Rolls: Make smaller rolls for kid-friendly servings or party platters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth

• Bright, fresh lemon flavor without being overly sweet

• Perfect for family breakfasts, brunches, or dessert

• Easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for guests

Conclusion

These lemon rolls are the ultimate treat for home bakers and families alike. From the fragrant, buttery dough to the tangy lemon filling and sweet glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a special occasion, or just to brighten your day, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.