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Lemon Sweet Rolls

Close-up of a lemon sweet roll topped with icing and lemon zest on a white plate, with fresh lemons in the background.
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These Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Made with lemon zest-infused dough, gooey lemon sugar filling, and a tangy lemon cream cheese frosting, they’re perfect for spring brunch or a refreshing dessert.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar (for yeast)
  • 4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (for filling)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for filling)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for pouring between rolls)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cold
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon zest (for frosting)
  • 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Bloom the yeast by combining warm milk, yeast, and 1 tsp sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixer bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add eggs, butter, lemon zest, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Mix, then knead with dough hook for 7-10 minutes until smooth.
  3. Form dough into a ball, place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
  4. Mix filling ingredients: butter, sugars, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt.
  5. Roll dough into 18×12-inch rectangle. Spread filling evenly over dough.
  6. Roll up tightly and slice into 12 rolls. Place in greased 9×13-inch dish.
  7. Pour heavy cream between rolls. Cover and let proof for 1 hour until doubled.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  9. Beat butter for frosting until fluffy. Add cream cheese, mix until smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and juice; beat until fluffy.
  10. Cool rolls for 5 minutes. Spread frosting on warm rolls and serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor.
  • Grease plastic wrap to avoid sticking during proofing.
  • Use dental floss for cleaner roll cuts.
  • Let dough rise in a warm oven with the light on if your kitchen is cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/lemon-sweet-rolls-recipe/