Name: Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 8 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225 g whole milk; 30 g fresh yeast (or 10 g active dry yeast or instant dry yeast); 50 g granulated sugar; 550-560 g all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp lemon zest (about 3 large lemons); 2 eggs (around 120 g with shell); 1 tsp salt; 100 g butter (room temperature); 100 g sugar; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 50 g butter (melted); 2 tsp lemon juice; 35 g butter (room temperature); 70 g cream cheese; 125 g powdered sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla paste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 2 reviews

If you’re craving a bright, zesty treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy, then this Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. These soft, fluffy rolls are infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re looking for an exciting breakfast, a delightful dessert, or a special treat to impress friends and family, these lemon rolls bring sunshine to every bite in the most comforting, irresistible way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with light yellow dough that has risen, showing small bubbles across the smooth surface and slightly domed shape, sitting on a white marbled texture background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component plays a special role, from the tangy lemon zest that wakes up your palate to the rich cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious, creamy finish.

Whole milk (225 g): Lukewarm milk activates the yeast and gives the dough its soft structure.
Fresh yeast (30 g) or active dry/instant yeast (10 g): The magic behind the fluffy rise of these rolls.
Granulated sugar (50 g + 100 g): Adds sweetness both to the dough and the lemon sugar filling, balancing the tartness.
All-purpose flour (550-560 g): Provides the necessary gluten for the dough’s structure and chewiness.
Lemon zest (2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Bursts of fresh citrus flavor create the star of this recipe.
Eggs (2, about 120 g with shell): Give richness and help the dough bind.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
Butter (100 g room temp + 50 g melted + 35 g room temp): Adds tenderness and richness in multiple stages for depth.
Lemon juice (2 tsp + 1 tsp): Brightens the filling and frosting with fresh acidity.
Cream cheese (70 g): Vital for the creamy frosting that finishes these lemon rolls beautifully.
Powdered sugar (125 g): Sweetens the frosting with smooth texture.
Vanilla paste (1/2 tsp): Adds warmth and complexity to the frosting.

How to Make Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast and Dough

Start by warming your milk until it reaches about 37 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it. Crumble fresh yeast into a mixing bowl, pour the warm milk over, and stir until dissolved. If you’re using dry yeast, bloom it according to package instructions. Add sugar, flour, lemon zest, eggs, and salt next, mixing on low-medium speed until the dough forms with no dry patches. Mix for an additional 4 minutes to develop gluten, ensuring a soft yet elastic dough.

Step 2: Incorporate the Butter

Adding the butter in two parts is key for creating that luscious, tender crumb. With your mixer running on medium speed, slowly add the first half of the room temperature butter until it’s fully incorporated. Then add the second half and be patient, as the dough will look messy initially. Scrape down the bowl, then continue mixing for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, shiny, and starts pulling away from the sides beautifully.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer your dough to a large, clean bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Find a warm, cozy spot in your kitchen and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This rise develops wonderful flavor and the soft texture that makes these lemon rolls so special.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough rests, mix lemon zest with granulated sugar in a bowl. Rub them together between your fingers to release fragrant lemon oils until the sugar looks like damp sand. In a second bowl, whisk melted butter with lemon juice. These two components combine during the assembly to create the signature bright, buttery lemon filling that makes these rolls unforgettable.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Once the dough has doubled, punch it down gently to deflate it and roll it out onto a floured surface into a large rectangle, roughly 48 by 33 centimeters. Brush liberally with the lemon butter mixture, then sprinkle the lemon sugar evenly on top before rolling it into a tight log. Cut into 12 equal rolls using unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife for clean cuts, and place them spaced in a lined baking tray. Let them rise again for 45 minutes, covered with plastic wrap and a tea towel.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Bake the rolls on the second lowest oven rack for 23 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—if they start browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last few minutes. When done, let them cool on a wire rack for five minutes, patiently waiting for the magic final touch.

Step 7: Cream Cheese Frosting Finale

Start by creaming the room temperature butter at high speed for one minute until fluffy. Add the cream cheese and blend until super smooth. Sift in powdered sugar along with lemon juice and vanilla paste, then mix everything until perfectly combined and silky. Spread this heavenly frosting generously over the warm rolls, letting it melt luxuriously into every soft swirl.

How to Serve Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits on a white plate with a soft, fluffy texture visible in its light golden layers. The roll has two main layers: a thick doughy base that looks airy and slightly torn on one side, and a smooth, creamy white icing thickly spread on top, slightly melting and dripping down one side. The background has a white marbled texture with another cinnamon roll blurred in the distance. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that irresistible look and extra zing, sprinkle additional fresh lemon zest over the frosting just before serving. You can also add a few thin lemon slices or edible flowers to brighten up the presentation. A tiny dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a snowy touch that makes these rolls look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Lemon rolls with cream cheese frosting are a fantastic centerpiece for brunch or afternoon tea. Pair them with freshly brewed coffee or fragrant herbal teas like chamomile or mint. A fresh fruit salad especially with berries complements the citrus notes wonderfully, balancing sweetness with natural freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these rolls in individual ramekins or small decorative bowls for a charming, personalized touch. You can also transform them into a pull-apart bread by baking them closer together and serving them family-style on a large platter. Drizzle a little extra homemade lemon glaze for a glossy finish and wow your guests with creative flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the rolls, but if you have a slightly warm kitchen, refrigeration may be better to prevent spoilage, just warm before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and before the second rise—wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge, let them rise, then bake as usual. Alternatively, freeze fully baked rolls in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before warming and frosting.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in a 150-degree Celsius oven for 5 to 8 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. For the best texture, warm them uncovered and add cream cheese frosting just before serving to revive that fresh, creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast in this Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Substitute fresh yeast with one-third of the amount in active dry or instant yeast as per the recipe and bloom it in warm milk according to the package instructions before mixing the dough.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese for the frosting?

You can replace cream cheese with mascarpone or a mix of softened butter and a little yogurt for a tangy spread, though it will change the texture slightly. Cream cheese is ideal for that creamy, tangy flavor profile.

How do I ensure my lemon rolls are soft and fluffy?

Thorough kneading to develop gluten, proper proofing times for both rises, and folding butter well into the dough are all keys to achieving the soft and tender crumb that’s so wonderful about these rolls.

Can I adjust the tartness of the lemon filling?

Of course! You can add more or less lemon zest and juice according to your taste, but be careful not to add too much liquid to the dough. The balance between sweet and tart is what makes this recipe special.

Is it okay to prepare the dough the night before?

Yes! For added convenience and flavor depth, you can refrigerate the dough after the first kneading and let it rise slowly overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before continuing with rolling, assembling, and baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, fluffy lemon rolls crowned with silky cream cheese frosting. This Lemon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings sunshine into your kitchen and smiles to your table. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful, aromatic baked treasure. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!