Lemon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Lemon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, they combine a tender dough with a tangy lemon filling and a sweet glaze that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice (for filling)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, salt, all-purpose flour, egg, and lemon zest. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Step 3: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: 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 doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
6. Step 6: Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top, then drizzle the ½ cup fresh lemon juice evenly over the filling.
7. Step 7: Roll the dough tightly from one long edge into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces.
8. Step 8: Place the rolls cut-side up into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
9. Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
10. Step 10: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth and pourable to make the glaze.
11. Step 11: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately drizzle the lemon glaze over them while warm.
12. Step 12: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough or glaze.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest taste, or substitute with bottled lemon juice if necessary.
• Try adding a handful of poppy seeds or lemon poppy seed glaze for added texture.
• Brush the tops with melted butter immediately after baking for a shiny finish before glazing.

Storage

Store the lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked rolls (without glaze) in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, then drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lemon juice for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lemon juice can be used if fresh lemons are not available. Just be sure to thaw it completely and measure accurately for the best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and allow it to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and filling to make the process easier.

Lemon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 51 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 rolls 1x

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Description

These Lemon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Made with a yeast dough enriched with lemon zest and filled with a buttery brown sugar and fresh lemon juice mixture, these sweet rolls are baked to a golden brown and finished with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these rolls offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, salt, all-purpose flour, egg, and lemon zest. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving the rolls their ideal texture.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Roll Out Dough: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle for filling.
6. Add Filling: Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top, then drizzle the fresh lemon juice evenly to add a tangy twist to the sweet filling.
7. Form Rolls: Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces to form individual rolls.
8. Second Rise: Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise for 30-45 minutes until they puff up again.
9. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
10. Bake Rolls: Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top and are cooked through.
11. Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth and pourable.
12. Glaze Rolls: Once the rolls are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the lemon glaze over them while still warm, allowing the glaze to absorb slightly.
13. Serve: Let the rolls cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm to fully appreciate the soft texture and bright lemon flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
• Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• These rolls are best enjoyed the same day but can be reheated gently the next day.
• For a richer flavor, you can brush the tops with melted butter right after baking before glazing.
• If you prefer less tartness, reduce the lemon juice in the filling slightly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Lemon rolls, lemon glaze, sweet rolls, yeast dough, breakfast pastry, citrus rolls, lemon dessert