Lemon Sweet Rolls

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a burst of bright citrus flavor. Each roll combines a buttery, tender dough with a sweet-tart lemon sugar filling and a luscious lemon cream cheese glaze on top. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, these rolls are a sunshine-filled twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect mix of cozy and refreshing. The dough bakes up pillowy soft, the filling is sweet and zesty, and the cream cheese glaze ties it all together with a tangy finish. You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together with pantry staples and simple steps. They’re elegant enough for special occasions, yet easy enough for a weekend baking project.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

• 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed to 110°F

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3½ to 4¼ cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)

• Olive oil or butter for greasing the bowl

Filling

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1½ tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 large lemons)

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for greasing the pan

Glaze

• 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (brick-style)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1¼ cups powdered sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)

Garnish (optional)

• Lemon slices

• Lemon zest

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm milk, yeast, egg, sugar, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt. Whisk until slightly foamy.

2. Knead the Dough:
   Add flour and knead with a dough hook for about 3 minutes, or by hand for 5 minutes. The dough should be soft and tacky but not sticky. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if needed.

3. First Rise:
   Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

4. Roll Out the Dough:
   Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a 16×12-inch rectangle.

5. Make the Filling:
   In a bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the lemon-sugar mixture on top.

6. Shape the Rolls:
   Starting with the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam closed. Cut the log in half, then cut each half into 6 equal pieces for 12 rolls total.

7. Second Rise:
   Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the rolls in the dish, leaving a little space between each. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes until puffy.

8. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the rolls with melted butter and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.

9. Make the Glaze:
   In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with more sugar (for thicker) or lemon juice (for thinner).

10. Glaze and Serve:
    Drizzle the glaze over warm rolls. Garnish with lemon zest or slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12 rolls

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 28 minutes

• Rising Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

• Berry Twist: Add a layer of raspberry or blueberry jam before rolling the dough.

• Coconut Lemon Rolls: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the filling for a tropical touch.

• Lavender Lemon Rolls: Infuse the glaze with a drop of lavender extract for a floral note.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeasted doughs.

• Orange Sweet Rolls: Swap lemon zest and juice with orange for a different citrus flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds before serving.

Freezer: Let baked rolls cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes.

Make Ahead: After the second rise, refrigerate unbaked rolls for up to 48 hours. Let come to room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm milk with a little sugar. It should foam within 10 minutes—this means it’s active.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes. Proof it in the warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar before adding to the other ingredients.

Why does my dough feel too sticky?

Add flour one tablespoon at a time until it’s tacky but not sticky. Over-flouring will make rolls dense.

Can I make these rolls overnight?

Yes. Prepare the rolls, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze?

Yes. You can use a simple lemon icing made with powdered sugar and lemon juice if you prefer a lighter topping.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?

Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Why are my rolls dense?

Your dough may not have risen enough. Ensure the yeast is fresh and the dough doubles in size during proofing.

Can I make mini rolls with this recipe?

Yes. Cut the dough into smaller pieces and bake for 18–20 minutes instead of 28–30.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute dairy milk with almond or oat milk, butter with vegan margarine, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

How do I get extra lemon flavor?

Add lemon extract to the glaze or use more lemon zest in the filling for an even brighter taste.

Conclusion

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, baked to golden perfection and topped with a creamy lemon glaze. They’re soft, indulgent, and bursting with fresh citrus brightness in every bite. Whether served warm for breakfast or as a sunny afternoon treat, these rolls will bring a little bit of joy and brightness to your table.