Lemon Rolls

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by samuel cullingham

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There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked Lemon Rolls wafting through the house. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy roll filled with a tangy lemony goodness that dances on your taste buds. sweet dessert bars The sweet and tart flavors create a symphony, making your mouth water for more.

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I remember the first time I made these delectable treats. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something comforting and bright. As I pulled them out of the oven, golden and glistening with glaze, my family gathered around like moths to a flame, ready to devour every last bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Lemon Rolls are easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough to wow your guests
  • Their bright citrus flavor pairs perfectly with coffee or tea for a delightful brunch treat
  • The beautiful swirl of lemon filling makes them an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
  • Versatile and delicious, they can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature

My friends were practically begging me for the recipe after their first bite of these Lemon Rolls. flavorful cookie variations They couldn’t get enough of the sweet-tart flavor and soft, pillowy texture. classic cookie recipe.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: savory side dish.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your rolls; it helps achieve that perfect fluffiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This will balance out the tartness of the lemons beautifully.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh to ensure your rolls rise perfectly; expired yeast is a roll’s worst enemy.
  • Milk: Use whole milk for richness; it adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings vibrant flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it!
  • Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this ingredient! It intensifies that zesty lemon flavor in every bite.
  • Butter: Softened butter makes everything better, adding richness to both the dough and glaze.
  • Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness; they’ll make your rolls tender and delightful.
  • Powdered Sugar: Essential for the glaze that drizzles so beautifully over your rolls; it adds sweetness without being overly sugary.
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates your glaze’s flavor profile; trust me, it’s worth it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until bubbly, this means your yeast is happy! Add melted butter, eggs, salt, lemon juice, and zest. Gradually fold in flour until a soft dough forms.

Knead Away!: Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You want it to be as soft as a cloud but not sticky like gum on a hot sidewalk.

Let It Rise!: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour). The dough needs this time to get all fluffy!

Create Your Filling!: While waiting for the dough to rise, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and salt in a bowl until well combined. This filling is where all that lemony goodness comes from.

Roll It Out!: Once risen, punch down the dough (it’s like giving it a wake-up call). Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick on a floured surface. Spread your luscious lemon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.

Shape Your Rolls!: Starting from one long side of the rectangle, carefully roll up your dough into a log shape. Slice into equal pieces (about 1-2 inches thick) using dental floss or a sharp knife, trust me; this makes cutting so much easier!

Bake Them Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sliced rolls in greased baking dish about 1 inch apart. Cover with plastic wrap or foil for another 30 minutes of rising while you heat up that oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown.

Add That Glaze!: While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice with enough water until smooth but pourable consistency forms. Drizzle over warm rolls just before serving, it will melt slightly into those lovely crevices!

Enjoy these scrumptious Lemon Rolls fresh from the oven or at room temperature, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “yum!” For more inspiration, check out this delicious orange muffins recipe.

You Must Know

  • Lemon rolls are an absolute delight, tangy, sweet, and fluffy
  • They brighten up any dessert table and can elevate your brunch game
  • The aroma of fresh lemons will have everyone flocking to the kitchen, begging for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the dough while preheating your oven. Once the rolls are shaped, allow them to rise until doubled before baking for best results.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your lemon rolls with a pop of poppy seeds or a sprinkle of coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them warm again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect lemon rolls, use fresh lemons for zest and juice to get that vibrant flavor
  • Always check your yeast’s expiration date; expired yeast leads to sad, flat rolls
  • Lastly, don’t rush the rising time; patience is key to fluffy goodness!

One time, I brought lemon rolls to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than you could say “zesty.” My friends still ask me when I’ll bake more!

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour in lemon rolls?

You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends for a healthier option.

Can I freeze lemon rolls after baking?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.

How do I know when my lemon rolls are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Lemon Rolls


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  • Author: Samuel Cullingham
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

Description

Lemon Rolls are a delightful treat that infuses your day with bright, zesty flavors. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with tangy lemon goodness and topped with a sweet glaze, making them perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, these rolls will impress family and friends alike.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast; let sit until bubbly.
  2. Mix in melted butter, eggs, salt, lemon juice, and zest. Gradually fold in flour to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let rise in a greased bowl until doubled (about 1 hour).
  4. Prepare filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, lemon juice, zest, and salt.
  5. Roll out the dough into a rectangle; spread filling evenly. Roll into a log and slice into pieces.
  6. Place rolls in a greased baking dish; cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  8. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and water until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll (85g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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