Lemon Rolls with Sweet Glaze (Printable)

Soft fluffy rolls filled with fresh lemon zest and sweet sugar, topped with tangy lemon glaze for breakfast or dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Dough

01 - 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
06 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 - 2 large eggs, room temperature

→ Lemon Filling

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
09 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - Zest from 2 lemons
11 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Lemon Glaze

12 - 1 cup powdered sugar
13 - 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
14 - Zest from 1 lemon for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine warm milk with yeast and a pinch of sugar in a large bowl. Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add melted butter, eggs, remaining sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix well. Gradually incorporate flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until elastic and smooth, or use a stand mixer with dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours until doubled in size.
05 - Mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.
06 - Roll risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a 16x12 inch rectangle.
07 - Spread lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border.
08 - Roll up tightly from the longer side. Slice into 12 equal rolls.
09 - Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
10 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
11 - Bake for 23–27 minutes until golden brown.
12 - Cool slightly. Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice for glaze and drizzle over warm rolls. Garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The balance of tart and sweet hits differently than any cinnamon roll youapove ever tried
  • That moment when the glaze hits warm rolls is basically kitchen magic
02 -
  • Do not skip the second rise or your rolls will be dense instead of light and fluffy
  • Letting the rolls cool for just 10 minutes before glazing prevents the icing from melting completely off
03 -
  • Grate your lemons before juicing them, it is nearly impossible to zest a juiced lemon
  • Brush the baked rolls with a little melted butter before glazing for extra shine and richness