Indulge in the zesty and sweet flavors of our delicious Lemon Rolls! These soft and pillowy rolls are bursting with lemony goodness and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The refreshing lemon flavor adds a unique twist to traditional cinnamon rolls.
- With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these Lemon Rolls are a breeze to make.
- These rolls are great for meal prep – enjoy them fresh or freeze for later!
Ingredient Notes:
- Lemon Roll Dough: all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds (optional), salt, buttermilk, sugar, butter, eggs, lemon zest.
- Lemon Roll Filling: granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, butter.
- Lemon Icing: powdered sugar, lemon juice, butter.
- Additional topping: Fresh Lemon Zest
- Recommended Tools / Equipment: Pan, Parchment Paper, Stand Mixer, Ruler, Dental Floss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Combine flour, yeast, poppy seeds, salt, buttermilk, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest to make the dough.
- Roll out the dough, spread the filling mixture, and roll it into a log.
- Cut the log into rolls, place in a pan, and let rise.
- Bake the rolls until golden brown.
- Drizzle with lemon icing and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for the dough.
- For a quicker rise, place the pan of rolls in a warm oven.
- Swap lemon zest with other citrus flavors like orange or lime for a different twist.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon extract to the dough.
- Brush the rolls with melted butter before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy these Lemon Rolls warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or dessert. Pair them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store leftover Lemon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate, and bake in the morning.
- Can I freeze the rolls? Yes, you can freeze the rolls before or after baking.
- Can I use a different type of citrus for the flavor? Absolutely, experiment with different citrus zests for a variety of flavors.
- Can I make these rolls without the icing? While the icing adds extra sweetness, you can omit it if desired.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself to the delightful flavors of our Lemon Rolls and enjoy a burst of citrusy sweetness in every bite. Whether for breakfast or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try them today and share your feedback with us!
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Lemon Rolls
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these fluffy and zesty lemon rolls, perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. The soft dough filled with a lemony sugar mixture and topped with a tangy icing will surely be a hit with everyone.
Ingredients
Lemon Roll Dough
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + addition flour added later in the process (530g)
- 4 1/2 tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds – optional
- 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk (240g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
Lemon Roll Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
Lemon Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine flour, yeast, poppy seeds, and salt. Mix in buttermilk, sugar, butter, eggs, and lemon zest. Knead until smooth.
- Make the Filling: Mix sugars, lemon zest, and butter until smooth.
- Assemble: Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, and cut into rolls.
- Bake: Place rolls in a pan and let rise. Bake until golden brown.
- Ice: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Drizzle over warm rolls.
Notes
- You can add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for extra texture.
- Make sure the yeast is fresh for a good rise in the dough.
- Adjust the amount of lemon zest in the filling and icing to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg