Soft & Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

These Soft & Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful and refreshing treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack. With a soft and airy dough, a zesty lemon filling, and a creamy lemon cream cheese icing, these rolls are a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious lemon sweet rolls:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Lemon zest: Freshly grated, adds a bright and fragrant citrus flavor.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted, adds richness and flavor.
• Instant yeast: Makes the dough rise and become light and fluffy.
• Egg: At room temperature, adds richness and helps bind the dough.

For the Filling:

• Unsalted butter: Extra softened, for easy spreading.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds warmth and flavor.
• Lemon zest: Packed, adds a bright and zesty lemon flavor.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Icing:

• Full-fat cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, for a creamy and tangy icing.
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, adds richness and flavor.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth icing.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor and thins the icing to the right consistency.
• Extra lemon zest: Optional, for garnish.

How to Make Soft & Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and butter. Microwave or heat on the stovetop until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch (about 110°F/43°C). Whisk in the instant yeast until dissolved. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the egg, and mix with a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, or use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed, until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rest the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 3-5 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Fill the Rolls

Roll out the rested dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14×8 inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste), and lemon zest for the filling. Sprinkle the filling mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Starting from a long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Cut the log into 10-12 even slices and arrange them in a greased 9- or 10-inch round cake pan, pie dish, or square baking pan.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise

Cover the pan with aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the rolls to rise in a warm environment for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the rolls are rising. Bake the rolls for 24-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. If the tops are browning too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil. You can check the internal temperature of the rolls with an instant-read thermometer; they should be around 195-200°F (91-93°C) when done. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly.

Step 6: Make the Icing

While the rolls are baking or cooling, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the softened butter and beat until combined. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Spread the lemon cream cheese icing generously over the warm rolls. If desired, garnish with a light sprinkling of lemon zest. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Soft & Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls

• Breakfast or Brunch: These lemon sweet rolls are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
• Afternoon Treat: Enjoy them as a sweet and satisfying afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Dessert: Serve them warm as a comforting dessert after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover leftover frosted or unfrosted rolls tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Make Ahead:

You can make the dough the night before through Step 4. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, remove from the refrigerator and allow to rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour before proceeding with the recipe.

Freezing:

Baked rolls can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up before enjoying. You can also freeze the unbaked rolls: bake the rolls in Step 5 for only about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. To serve, thaw the rolls in the refrigerator a few hours before serving, then finish baking them for the remaining 15-18 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you’ll need to dissolve it in the warm milk mixture and let it sit for about 10 minutes, or until foamy, before adding the other ingredients.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, seeds, or other mix-ins to the filling.

Can I make these rolls without the icing?

Yes, the rolls are delicious on their own, but the icing adds an extra layer of sweetness and lemon flavor.

How can I make these rolls vegan?

You can try using vegan butter and egg substitutes, and plant-based milk, but the texture and results may vary.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Soft & Fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

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