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Lemon sweet rolls

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, these homemade lemon sweet rolls are the perfect spring breakfast or brunch treat. With a rich lemon sugar filling and creamy lemon frosting, they’re a cozy, make-ahead favorite for family gatherings or weekend baking.
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Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Calories: 320kcal
Cost: $8–$10

Equipment

  • Stand mixer Optional, for kneading
  • Rolling pin Or wine bottle in a pinch
  • Large mixing bowl For mixing and rising the dough
  • 9x13 inch baking dish Greased
  • zester or microplane For fresh lemon zest
  • Kitchen towel To cover dough while rising

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour Plus more for dusting
  • 2¼ teaspoon Active dry yeast 1 packet
  • ¼ cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Milk Warmed to 110°F
  • ¼ cup Unsalted butter Melted
  • 1 Large egg Room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling

  • ⅓ cup Unsalted butter Softened
  • ½ cup Granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon zest Fresh
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Fresh
  • 1 pinch Salt

For the Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting

  • 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
  • 2 tablespoon Unsalted butter Softened
  • 1½ cups Powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoon Lemon juice Fresh
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
  • 2–3 tablespoon Milk Adjust for desired consistency

Instructions

  • Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let foam.
  • Whisk in melted butter, egg, vanilla.
  • Add flour and salt, stir to a soft dough.
  • Knead until smooth and elastic.
  • Place in greased bowl, cover. Let rise until doubled (1–1.5 hrs).
  • Cream butter and sugar, add lemon zest & juice.
  • Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon zest & juice. Add milk until spreadable.
  • Roll dough into 12×18-inch rectangle.
  • Spread filling evenly, leave 1-inch border.
  • Roll tightly, slice into 12 pieces. Arrange in greased 9×13 pan.
  • Let rise 30–45 min until puffy.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls 20–25 min until golden.
  • Cool 5–10 minutes. Spread frosting over warm rolls.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 75mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.8mg