Introduction

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are simple & delicious, bringing bright citrus flavor to a classic breakfast treat. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special brunches, they feature a soft dough, zesty lemon filling, and creamy glaze. If you enjoy lemon desserts, try the Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli Recipe for another delightful option. This easy recipe creates impressive results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

These pillowy soft sweet rolls are bursting with bright, sunny lemon flavor in every bite – from the tender dough to the creamy lemon curd filling and optional zesty glaze.

• ⅔ cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110°F
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ cup lemon curd
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup heavy cream
• For glaze (optional): 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: These Lemon Sweet Rolls have weekend vibes written all over them and come together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Dough

Combine warm milk (about 110°F), yeast, and a pinch of sugar in your mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, which activates the yeast for a soft, fluffy rise.

Add flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, egg, and lemon zest. Mix on low until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2 — First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

For best results, the dough should feel light and airy when gently poked. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl in a turned-off oven with the light on.

Step 3 — Make the Lemon Filling

While the dough rises, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, and plenty of fresh lemon zest in a bowl. The filling should be spreadable but not runny.

Using room-temperature butter ensures it spreads evenly without tearing the dough. For extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Step 4 — Roll and Fill

On a floured surface, roll the risen dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border along one long edge.

Roll the dough tightly from the filled long edge toward the clean edge. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 9 even rolls using unflavored dental floss or a sharp knife.

Step 5 — Second Rise

Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and nearly doubled.

The rolls should spring back slowly when lightly touched. Preheat your oven to 350°F during the last 15 minutes of rising.

Step 6 — Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 22–28 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the centers are fully set. An instant-read thermometer should read 190°F when inserted into a center roll.

If the tops brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 7 — Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and a bit of lemon zest until smooth. Adjust consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.

For a thicker glaze, use less liquid. For a pourable glaze that soaks in slightly, add liquid one teaspoon at a time.

Step 8 — Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the warm rolls generously with lemon glaze. Let it set for a few minutes, then serve while still warm for the ultimate soft, sweet, bright lemon experience.

These lemon sweet rolls are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	11g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Whole Wheat Flour — Adds fiber and a nutty flavor to these lemon sweet rolls.
• Greek Yogurt — Boosts protein and creates a tangy, moist texture.
• Coconut Sugar — A lower glycemic option that adds caramel notes.
• Almond Milk — A dairy-free alternative that keeps the rolls soft and light.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend — Perfect for dietary needs without sacrificing the tender crumb.
• Reduced-Sugar Icing — Sweetens with less sugar while letting the bright lemon flavor shine.
• Applesauce for Oil — Cuts fat and adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit — Zero-calorie sweeteners for a lower-carb version of these weekend-worthy rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the bright lemon flavor
• Serve warm at brunch gatherings alongside fresh fruit salad and crispy bacon
• Perfect for holiday mornings, baby showers, or lazy weekend breakfasts in bed
• Drizzle with extra lemon glaze and garnish with lemon zest for beautiful presentation
• Create a dessert platter with these lemon sweet rolls alongside berry compote and vanilla ice cream
• Package individually for thoughtful gifts to neighbors or hostess presents

These lemon sweet rolls have weekend vibes written all over them – soft, sweet, and loaded with bright lemon flavor that makes any occasion feel special.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Fix: Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature for better dough consistency and proper yeast activation.
• Mistake: Rushing the first rise. Fix: Let dough double in size in a warm, draft-free spot; this develops the soft, weekend-worthy texture.
• Mistake: Over-flouring the work surface. Fix: Use just enough flour to prevent sticking; too much makes rolls dense instead of soft and sweet.
• Mistake: Zesting lemons too deeply into the white pith. Fix: Only grate the yellow zest to avoid bitter flavors that clash with the bright lemon taste.
• Mistake: Rolling dough too tightly. Fix: Roll gently to allow room for expansion, ensuring light, fluffy layers in every bite.
• Mistake: Baking in a cold oven. Fix: Always preheat your oven so the rolls rise properly and bake evenly for that perfect golden finish.
• Mistake: Adding glaze to hot rolls. Fix: Let rolls cool slightly so the lemon glaze sets beautifully without melting away.
• Mistake: Skimping on the filling. Fix: Spread lemon-sugar mixture evenly to every edge for maximum bright lemon flavor in each swirl.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes.

For best results, bring refrigerated rolls to room temperature before reheating to restore their soft, sweet texture.

Conclusion

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect weekend treat—soft, sweet, and bursting with bright lemon flavor. We hope you love them! Try the recipe, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more delicious updates. If you enjoy citrus desserts, you might also like our Chocolate Orange Dream Cake Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I prepare These Lemon Sweet Rolls the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and assemble the rolls the night before. Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise at room temperature before baking. This makes These Lemon Sweet Rolls perfect for a relaxed weekend morning.

How do I get the bright lemon flavor in these sweet rolls?

The bright lemon flavor comes from using both fresh lemon zest in the dough and a tangy lemon glaze. For the best results, use freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This ensures These Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, sweet, and loaded with vibrant citrus taste.

What is the best way to store leftover Lemon Sweet Rolls?

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and warm slightly before serving to enjoy These Lemon Sweet Rolls again.