Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

There's something magical about the smell of fresh-baked goods wafting through the air, and for me, that magical moment always comes when I make Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls. I remember the first time I attempted this recipe; it was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was hoping to surprise my family with a sweet treat. The bright, zesty aroma filled every corner of our kitchen, and it felt like spring had come early, even though it was just February. My kids, with their curious little faces, crowded around the counter, eager to help and sneak tastes of the dough.

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Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls are perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a special breakfast or just indulging in a lazy Sunday brunch. They bring a burst of freshness that's uplifting, even on the dreariest of days. With their fluffy texture and sweet lemon glaze, these rolls are not just a treat; they're a memory in the making. I promise, once you make them, they'll become a cherished part of your cooking repertoire, just like they are in mine!

Why You'll Love "Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls"

• They're incredibly soft and fluffy, making every bite a delight.
• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
• Family-friendly and perfect for kids to help with; they'll love rolling the dough!
• Freezer-friendly! You can easily store them for a sweet treat later.
• The irresistible lemon flavor brightens any meal, making it feel like a celebration.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C; make sure it's not too hot or it will kill the yeast)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (I love using Kerrygold for its richness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (leave it out at room temperature for easier mixing)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (use a microplane for finely grating)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (don't skimp on the freshness!)

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to your desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your rolls to bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color.

Make the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This little step is like magic - it wakes up the yeast!
2. Add flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix it all together until a dough forms. Don't worry if it seems a bit sticky at first; that's totally normal.
3. Now, knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. I like to think of this as a mini workout, and it feels so rewarding!
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour. You'll want it to double in size - trust me, the wait is worth it!

Prepare the Filling

1. In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice for the filling. You should have a nice, creamy mixture that smells like sunshine!

Assemble the Rolls

1. Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle. Aim for about ¼ inch thick; this will give you those perfect layers.
2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough. Don't be shy; make sure to cover every inch!
3. Now, roll the dough tightly, starting from one end to the other. This part is so satisfying! Cut the rolled dough into 12 equal pieces.
4. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rise for another 30 minutes. You want them to puff up a bit more before baking.

Bake the Rolls

1. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until they're golden brown on top. The smell in your kitchen will be heavenly!

Make the Glaze

1. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency to your liking - drizzle it over the cooled rolls for that perfect finishing touch.

Variations

• Try adding poppy seeds to the filling for a delightful crunch.
• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a sweet citrus twist.
• For a lighter version, swap half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Add in some blueberries or raspberries to the filling for a fruity surprise!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls are best served warm, drizzled with the lemon glaze for that extra zing. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. They also make a fantastic addition to brunch spreads, bringing a bright flavor to your table!

Storage

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked goodness!

Helpful Notes

• If you don't have instant yeast, you can use active dry yeast; just let it bloom in warm milk for 10 minutes before mixing.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk.
• Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
• Using fresh lemons is key for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice just doesn't give the same zing! Learn more about the benefits of Vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these rolls! Once they've cooled completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to warm them up and restore their lovely texture.

What are some substitutions for the ingredients?

If you need to make substitutions, here are a few options: For the all-purpose flour, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Instead of granulated sugar, coconut sugar works well too. If you don't have unsalted butter, salted butter is fine; just reduce the added salt a tad. And for the filling, if fresh lemons aren't available, you can use bottled lemon juice, though fresh is always best!

How long do the rolls last?

These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your friend! Just remember, reheating them in the oven will bring back that warm, fluffy goodness.

Final Thoughts

There's nothing quite like the joy of sharing Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls with family and friends. Each bite is a burst of sunshine that can brighten even the cloudiest day. I hope you'll give this recipe a try and create your own sweet memories in the kitchen. Remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying the little moments. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful baking adventure. Trust me, you won't regret it, and you might just find yourself making these rolls again and again!

Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

These lemon rolls are soft, fluffy, and filled with a tangy lemon filling. They are topped with a sweet lemon glaze for a perfect finish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling

• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
• Add flour, sugar, melted butter, salt, egg, and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
• In a separate bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice for the filling.
• Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough.
• Roll the dough tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces. Place on a baking sheet and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
• For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest until smooth. Drizzle over cooled rolls.

Notes

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Keyword baked goods, lemon rolls, soft rolls