If you are searching for a delightful, bright, and utterly irresistible treat, this Lemon Rolls Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. These soft, fluffy rolls packed with zesty lemon flavor and sweet glaze strike the perfect balance between tangy and sweet. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, the fresh citrus notes bring a sunshine-y vibe that can brighten any table. I love how simple the technique is, yet the result feels special and impressive—trust me, these rolls will quickly become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these lemon rolls just right starts with straightforward ingredients that combine seamlessly to create layers of flavor and tender texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the dough providing the sturdy base to the lemon zest that infuses every bite with invigorating citrus brightness.
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated bread dough: This ensures an easy start with a soft, pillowy base for your rolls.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Packed with aromatic oils, it gives the rolls their signature lemony punch.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of lemon zest beautifully.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, buttery layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The foundation of the smooth, luscious glaze to coat your rolls.
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity and enhances the glaze’s tangy finish.
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional): A charming decorative touch that also hints at the roll’s citrus flavor.
How to Make Lemon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to perfectly bake your rolls. Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this little prep step guarantees your rolls will come out looking gorgeous and intact.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour your surface and unroll the refrigerated bread dough into a neat rectangle. Getting this step just right with an even thickness will ensure your rolls bake evenly and hold their delightful shape.
Step 3: Mix Lemon Sugar
Combine the zest of 1 lemon with 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a small bowl. This fragrant mixture is where the real zing starts to form, perfectly marrying tartness and sweetness.
Step 4: Spread Butter and Sprinkle Lemon Sugar
Spread the softened butter evenly over the rolled-out dough, creating a rich, luscious layer. Then sprinkle your lemon sugar blend generously on top. This step builds the flavor layers that make these rolls so addictive.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough into a log shape starting from one of the long edges—like rolling a jelly roll. Once fully rolled, slice the log into 12 even pieces. This shaping technique promises those beautiful, swirled rolls that showcase the lemon-sugar goodness inside.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Place the 12 slices snugly into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the rolls are a golden brown and fully cooked through. The warm citrus aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is simply irresistible.
Step 7: Prepare Lemon Glaze and Drizzle
While your rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice to make the glaze. When the rolls come out warm from the oven, drizzle this glossy, tangy glaze over them, adding that perfect finishing touch that elevates the whole experience.
Lemon Rolls Recipe: Final Garnishing
If you want to add a pretty flourish, adorn your rolls with thin lemon slices. This not only looks stunning but also enhances the fresh citrus impression when serving.
How to Serve Lemon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh lemon slices can make your rolls feel homemade yet fancy. These little accents automatically elevate the presentation for guests or family alike.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine brightest alongside a refreshing cup of tea or a light fruit salad. They can happily complement a leisurely brunch spread with eggs, fresh berries, and crisp bacon, tying the meal together with a citrusy sweet note.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these lemon rolls in individual ramekins or basket-lined plates for a cozy vibe. You can also drizzle some extra lemon glaze just before serving for that inviting, glossy look that says “Eat me now.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and moist, ready for a quick snack or dessert.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these rolls later, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your lemon rolls back to that freshly baked warmth, reheat them in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Adding a light drizzle of extra lemon glaze afterward gives them a fresh burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bread dough for this Lemon Rolls Recipe?
Yes, frozen bread dough works fine as long as it’s fully thawed and slightly risen before you begin rolling it out. Just allow extra time for thawing and resting so it’s pliable and easy to work with.
How tart will these lemon rolls be?
They offer a gentle lemon brightness balanced by sweetness, thanks to the lemon sugar inside and the sweet glaze topping. The flavor is pleasantly tart but never overpowering, perfect for all palates.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or margarine. The flavor will remain wonderfully rich, and the texture just as tender.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon for this recipe?
Use a microplane or a fine grater to zest only the brightly colored outer layer of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. This ensures a fresh, fragrant lemon flavor without any bitterness.
Can I add other flavors to this Lemon Rolls Recipe?
Definitely! Adding a touch of vanilla extract or sprinkling poppy seeds into the lemon sugar mix are great ways to customize. Fresh herbs like thyme or lavender also pair beautifully with lemon if you want a gourmet twist.
Final Thoughts
Making Lemon Rolls Recipe is like inviting sunshine into your kitchen and onto your plate. With their fluffy texture, refreshing zesty flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth glaze, these rolls promise to be a crowd-pleaser any time of day. Dive into this recipe, and soon you’ll be sharing these lemony delights with everyone you love—because some recipes just demand to be enjoyed together.
Print
Lemon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and tangy Lemon Rolls made with refrigerated bread dough, infused with fresh lemon zest and a sweet lemon glaze. Perfect for a bright breakfast treat or a zesty dessert, these rolls are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated bread dough
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated bread dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness for uniform baking.
- Mix Lemon Sugar: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest with the granulated sugar to infuse the sugar with fresh citrus flavor.
- Spread Butter and Sugar: Evenly spread the softened unsalted butter over the dough’s surface. Then sprinkle the lemon sugar mixture evenly on top to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Roll Dough: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log shape, sealing the filling inside for swirled lemon flavor.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces and place them into the prepared baking dish with the cut side facing up.
- Bake: Bake the rolls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While the rolls bake, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth to make a sweet, tangy lemon glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, drizzle the lemon glaze over them. Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon slices for an extra touch of brightness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the bread dough is fully thawed before rolling out for easier handling.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice in the glaze to make it more or less tangy.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the glaze.
- These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently before serving.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
