Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

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There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of soft, fluffy dough and a bright, tangy lemon filling. These Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls are the perfect balance of sweet and citrusy, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent afternoon snack. Topped with a creamy glaze, they melt in your mouth with every bite, bringing a refreshing twist to classic sweet rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Rolls

If you love cinnamon rolls but want something lighter and fruitier, these lemon rolls will become your new favorite. The soft, pillowy dough is swirled with a luscious lemon filling that’s both sweet and slightly tart, then topped with a smooth, sweet glaze. Every bite is bursting with citrusy goodness!

The Perfect Balance of Fluffy and Zesty

Lemon rolls offer a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The dough is light, airy, and buttery, providing the perfect base for the silky lemon curd filling. The final touch— a rich, vanilla-infused glaze—adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the citrus notes.

Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch, special celebrations, or just because you’re craving something delicious, these lemon rolls are guaranteed to impress. Their golden-brown exterior, glossy lemon filling, and drizzled glaze make them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients for Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

To make these irresistibly soft lemon rolls, you’ll need a combination of basic baking ingredients for the dough, a rich lemon filling, and a sweet glaze to finish them off.

For the Dough:

A soft and fluffy dough is the foundation of these rolls, ensuring a light and tender texture.

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the dough while keeping it soft and airy.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dough.
• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast – Helps the dough rise and become fluffy.
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F/45°C) – Activates the yeast and makes the dough soft.
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and flavor to the dough.
• 1 large egg – Enhances the texture, making the dough tender.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

For the Lemon Filling:

This bright and tangy filling is what makes these rolls so special!

• ½ cup (120g) lemon curd – The heart of the rolls, giving them a smooth, tart, and sweet flavor.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the filling.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest – Adds an extra punch of fresh citrus flavor.

For the Sweet Glaze:

A rich, smooth glaze drizzled on top completes the rolls with a touch of sweetness.

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – Creates a silky and smooth glaze.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Adds a tangy brightness to balance the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth.
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk) – Helps create a pourable consistency for the glaze.

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How to Make Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

Making these lemon rolls is easier than you might think! Just follow these step-by-step instructions to create a batch of soft, citrus-filled delights.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by activating the yeast to ensure a perfect rise.

1. In a small bowl, mix the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the bright and zesty lemon filling.

1. In a small bowl, mix the lemon curd, sugar, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to roll it out and add the delicious lemon filling.

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 14×9 inches) on a floured surface.
2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice it into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Step 4: Let the Rolls Rise Again

A second rise ensures the rolls are extra soft and fluffy.

1. Place the sliced rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
2. Cover with a clean towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they become puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Lemon Rolls

Now it’s time to bake them until golden and irresistible!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and fully cooked through.

Step 6: Make the Sweet Glaze

While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze for that final touch.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

The finishing touch makes these rolls even more mouthwatering!

1. Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes.
2. Drizzle the sweet glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to soak into the swirls.
3. Serve and enjoy these lusciously soft lemon rolls warm for the best flavor and texture!

How Long to Bake Lemon Rolls

Baking time is crucial to achieving the perfect soft and fluffy texture. Here’s a general guideline for baking these Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls to golden perfection:

• Standard-Sized Rolls (in a 9×13-inch pan) – Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Smaller Rolls (in a muffin tin or smaller pan) – Bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Larger Rolls (if making oversized rolls) – Bake for 25-30 minutes, covering with foil in the last 5 minutes if they brown too quickly.

The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and feel slightly firm to the touch. The center rolls should also be fully baked—if they seem doughy, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes.

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How to Store Leftover Lemon Rolls

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them properly to keep them fresh.

Refrigeration (for extended freshness)

• Store the lemon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Room Temperature (for short-term storage)

• If planning to eat within 1-2 days, keep them at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Freezing (for long-term storage)

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.

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Tips for Perfect Lemon Rolls

Want bakery-quality lemon rolls every time? Follow these tips to ensure they turn out soft, fluffy, and full of citrusy goodness!

Dough Tips

• Use warm milk (not hot!) – The milk should be around 110°F (45°C) to properly activate the yeast. Hot milk can kill the yeast, while cold milk will slow down the rise.
• Knead until smooth – Kneading for at least 8-10 minutes helps develop gluten, which gives the dough its soft and chewy texture. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.
• Let the dough rise in a warm place – If your kitchen is cold, place the bowl in an oven with the light on or near a warm spot. A slow rise results in fluffier rolls.

Filling & Baking Tips

• Use high-quality lemon curd – A rich and smooth lemon curd enhances the flavor of these rolls. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Roll the dough evenly – Rolling the dough into an even rectangle ensures that every bite has the perfect amount of filling.
• Slice with dental floss for clean cuts – Instead of using a knife, use unflavored dental floss to cut the rolls without squishing them.
• Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast – If the tops brown too quickly but the centers are still undercooked, cover with foil in the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Glazing Tips

• Glaze while warm for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture – The warmth of the rolls helps the glaze soak in slightly, making them extra delicious.
• Adjust the glaze consistency – If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream. If too thin, mix in extra powdered sugar.

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