Description

There’s something magical about the bright, zesty flavor of lemon wrapped in a soft, pillowy roll and drizzled with sweet, tangy lemon icing! These Lemon Rolls bake up gooey, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy goodness in just 90 minutes. They’re the perfect summer treat for a cozy breakfast, brunch, or just because you deserve something sweet! 🌞

Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Roll Dough

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (530g)
4 1/2 tsp (or 2 packets) instant dry yeast (14g)
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 temp (113g)
2 large eggs, room temp (112g)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (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 (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

1️⃣ Make the Dough

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C).
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, poppy seeds, and salt.
3️⃣ In another bowl, heat buttermilk, sugar, and butter for 1 min in the microwave (butter should be mostly melted, and warm, not hot).
4️⃣ Slowly mix the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients.
5️⃣ Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until combined.
6️⃣ Mix in lemon zest.
7️⃣ Add extra flour 1 Tbsp at a time until dough is tacky but not sticky.
8️⃣ Cover and let rest for 10-20 minutes.

2️⃣ Make the Filling

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest—rub the zest into the sugar to release the oils.
2️⃣ Mix in softened butter until combined.

3️⃣ Roll & Cut the Dough

1️⃣ Roll dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
2️⃣ Spread filling evenly, leaving ½ inch uncovered on one long edge.
3️⃣ Roll tightly and cut into 12 pieces using dental floss (for clean cuts!).
4️⃣ Place rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan.

4️⃣ Let Rolls Rise

1️⃣ Turn OFF the oven and cover rolls with foil.
2️⃣ Place pan in the warm oven for 30 minutes to rise.
3️⃣ Remove from oven, uncover, and preheat to 350°F (175°C).

5️⃣ Bake the Rolls

1️⃣ Bake for 28-32 minutes, until golden brown.

6️⃣ Make the Icing

1️⃣ Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter.
2️⃣ Let rolls cool 10-20 minutes, then drizzle icing on top.
3️⃣ Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and enjoy!

Notes

🌟 Baking Tips for the Best Lemon Rolls:
✔️ Use instant yeast for quicker rising.
✔️ Dental floss makes clean, easy cuts!
✔️ Let rolls cool slightly before icing for the perfect melt.
✔️ If using a glass baking dish, lower oven temp to 325°F (162°C).

💛 These rolls are like a warm hug in every bite! Who’s making them this weekend? 😍👇

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 390 kcal per roll
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g per roll
Saturated Fat: 9g per roll
Carbohydrates: 58g per roll
Fiber: 1g per roll
Protein: 6g per roll
Cholesterol: 65mg per roll