Lemon Rolls

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If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls but want to shake things up with a bright, zesty twist, let me introduce you to the world of lemon rolls. These soft, pillowy rolls are bursting with tangy lemon flavor, balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re the perfect way to brighten up your mornings or add a citrusy flair to brunch. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make lemon rolls from scratch, share my favourite tips and tricks, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your rolls turn out perfect every single time.

Why Lemon Rolls?

Cinnamon rolls are undeniably delicious, but their warm, spiced flavours make them feel like a fall or winter treat. Lemon rolls, on the other hand, are like spring and summer in a bite. The citrusy lemon flavor is refreshing, and when paired with a sweet glaze, it creates an irresistible combination of tang and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a unique dessert, or just want to treat yourself, these lemon rolls will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 3 large lemons
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stir, and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, softened butter, and activated yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead for about 7–10 minutes, or knead by hand until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and lemon zest together with your fingers. This releases the oils in the zest and makes the mixture fragrant and flavorful. Add the softened butter and mix until you get a spreadable paste.

3. Roll Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.

4. Spread the Filling

Evenly spread the lemon-sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

5. Roll and Slice

1. Starting from one of the long edges, tightly roll the dough into a log.
2. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

6. Second Rise

Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until they’re puffy and touching each other.

7. Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. If they’re browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil for the last 5–10 minutes.

8. Make the Lemon Glaze

In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream until smooth. Add more lemon juice for tanginess or powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

9. Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls and serve immediately. Enjoy the combination of soft dough, tangy lemon filling, and sweet glaze!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Lemon Rolls

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
2. Warm Environment for Rising: If your kitchen is chilly, place the dough in an oven that’s been preheated to 200°F and then turned off. The residual warmth will help the dough rise.
3. Dental Floss for Cutting: To prevent squishing the rolls when slicing, use unflavored dental floss. Slide it under the dough log, cross the ends, and pull to cut cleanly.
4. Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will make the rolls dry. Check them at the 20-minute mark, and take them out as soon as they’re lightly golden.
5. Adjust the Glaze: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner, drippier glaze, add a touch more lemon juice or milk.

Notes

• Storage: Lemon rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15 seconds to freshen them up.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them, reheat, and glaze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute lemon with orange, lime, or even grapefruit for a unique twist. Just adjust the zest and juice measurements accordingly.

Q: My dough isn’t rising—what went wrong?

A: Check the expiration date on your yeast. Also, ensure the milk isn’t too hot, as this can kill the yeast. It should be warm but not scorching (around 110°F).

Q: Can I make these rolls vegan?

A: Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative (like almond or oat milk), use vegan butter, and replace the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Q: How do I know if I’ve kneaded the dough enough?

A: The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If you press it with your finger, it should bounce back.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish or multiple pans, and adjust the rising time as needed.

These lemon rolls are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these rolls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy baking! 🍋