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–+ servings
Freshly baked lemon rolls with a light glaze

Lemon Rolls

Lemon Rolls are soft, tender sweet rolls swirled with butter and lemon-sugar, drizzled with a glossy lemon icing — perfect for spring brunches and special occasions.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 rolls
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast Active dry yeast can be substituted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup milk, warmed About 100–110°F
  • ¼ cup butter, melted Cool slightly to avoid killing the yeast
  • 1 large egg Room temperature preferred
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Fresh for best flavor
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Fresh for best flavor

Icing Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice For icing
  • 1 tablespoon milk For icing

Instructions
 

Mix dry and wet ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
  • In another bowl, combine warmed milk, melted butter, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • If using active dry yeast, bloom it first in warm milk with a pinch of sugar for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Form and knead the dough

  • Mix wet and dry ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low for about 4–5 minutes.

First rise

  • Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Roll, fill, and shape

  • Punch down dough, roll into a rectangle, spread with butter, and sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice.
  • Roll tightly from the long edge into a log and slice into 8–10 even rolls.

Second rise and bake

  • Arrange rolls cut-side up in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Make the lemon icing and finish

  • Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
  • Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.

Notes

For a richer dough, add 2 tablespoons of cream instead of milk. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g
Keyword Citrus Dessert, Easter Treats, Lemon Rolls, Spring Baking, Sweet Rolls
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