If you are looking for a sweet treat that bursts with bright citrusy notes and soft, pillowy texture, then this Lemon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. These rolls are the perfect blend of tender dough wrapped around a luscious lemony filling, topped with a tangy glaze that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you are baking for a cozy weekend breakfast or an elegant brunch, these rolls are sure to impress with their fresh lemon zest and the delightful hint of poppy seeds adding just the right touch of crunch and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating these irresistible lemon rolls starts with a straightforward list of pantry staples, each thoughtfully chosen to build that wonderfully soft texture and zesty flavor. Every ingredient plays a key role in transforming simple dough into a vibrant, aromatic treat.
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the rolls their structure and soft crumb.
- 4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast: Essential for the dough’s rise and lightness.
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and lovely contrast to the citrus.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tang for tender crumb development.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping to activate the yeast.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Enriches the dough for a soft and fluffy texture.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest: Infuses the dough itself with sunny citrus fragrance.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (filling): Sweetens the luscious lemon filling.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes that complement the lemon.
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest (filling): Packs extra citrus punch right inside the rolls.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (filling): Creates that irresistibly rich, gooey filling.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet icing that crowns the rolls.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity to the glaze for balance.
- 2 Tbsp melted butter: Gives the icing richness and sheen.
- Fresh lemon zest for topping: Finishing touch that makes these rolls extra special visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Lemon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Gather Your Dry Ingredients
Start by heating your oven to a low 200°F to create the perfect warm environment for the dough to rise later. While the oven warms, mix together your flour, dry yeast, poppy seeds, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that every bite is evenly seasoned and ready for the next steps.
Step 2: Warm the Buttermilk Mixture
Gently warm the buttermilk, sugar, and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is warm but not hot—this wakes up the yeast and adds moisture, flavor, and richness to your dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the warm buttermilk mixture to your dry ingredients and stir until combined. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, blending each fully. Then mix in the lemon zest, which will infuse the dough with fresh citrus aroma and taste right from the start.
Step 4: Add Flour and Form Dough
Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture until the dough feels tacky but not sticky. The goal is a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not overly wet. Once properly mixed, allow it to rest so it can soften and become more manageable.
Step 5: Prepare the Luscious Lemon Filling
While your dough is resting, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon zest, and butter to create the filling. This blend of sugars gives a lovely sweetness that melds beautifully with the bright zest and rich butter.
Step 6: Roll Out and Spread Filling
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12 by 18-inch rectangle—this shape makes rolling everything up a breeze. Evenly spread your lemon filling all over the dough, ensuring each bite will be packed with that dreamy lemon flavor.
Step 7: Roll and Slice
Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice into 12 equal pieces. This step sets you up for perfectly portioned rolls that bake evenly and look gorgeous when done.
Step 8: Proof the Rolls
Arrange the slices in a prepared pan and place them in the warm oven set at 200°F for 30 minutes. This gentle heat helps them rise perfectly, yielding rolls that are fluffy and tender.
Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection
Increase your oven temperature to 350°F and bake the rolls for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn a beautiful golden brown, and the sweet aroma fills your kitchen—almost impossible to resist!
Step 10: Glaze and Finish
While the rolls cool just enough, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter to create a glossy icing. Generously spoon it over the warm rolls and sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for a pop of color and extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve Lemon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to wow your guests even more, sprinkle a few extra poppy seeds or finely chopped candied lemon peel on top. These little touches add a whimsical look and a bit more texture that complements the softness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these lemon rolls with a simple cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance their sweetness. If you’re serving breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait makes for a bright, fresh counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your lemon rolls in a circular wreath shape on a large platter for festive occasions, or serve each roll with a small dollop of whipped cream and a lemon slice on the side. These ideas transform a classic into a show-stopping centerpiece on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. This makes it easy to enjoy a little slice of lemon bliss throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the rolls either before baking or after they have completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container—frozen rolls stay at their best for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the rolls in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds. Drizzle a little extra glaze after reheating for that freshly made feel.
FAQs
Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest in the dough?
Lemon zest has oils that provide a brighter, more aromatic lemon flavor than juice alone; using zest helps keep your lemon rolls fragrant and vibrant, so it’s best not to substitute completely.
Do I have to use poppy seeds?
While poppy seeds add a lovely crunch and subtle nuttiness, you can omit them if you prefer or have dietary restrictions. The rolls will still be deliciously tender and lemony without them.
Can this dough be made in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling out and adding the filling for easier handling and a more developed flavor.
Why do I need to warm the buttermilk mixture?
Warming the buttermilk, sugar, and butter helps activate the yeast gently, encouraging the dough to rise well and develop the desired soft, airy texture.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with just under 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute mimics buttermilk’s acidity and works great in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Rolls Recipe truly feels like a warm hug from the kitchen—bright, buttery, and irresistibly good. Baking these rolls is such a rewarding experience, and sharing them with family or friends just doubles the joy. I promise, once you try making these, they’ll become a beloved staple that brightens any morning or sweet gathering.
Print
Lemon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these irresistibly soft and tangy Lemon Rolls, featuring a luscious lemon-sugar filling and a zesty lemon glaze. Perfectly golden and bursting with citrus flavor, these rolls make an ideal treat for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest
Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
- Fresh lemon zest for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and combine dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 200°F. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds, and salt until well combined.
- Warm wet ingredients: In a saucepan, warm the buttermilk, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter until the butter is melted and the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool slightly if too hot.
- Mix wet into dry: Pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add eggs and zest: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the lemon zest to infuse the dough with citrus flavor.
- Add flour gradually and rest dough: Gradually incorporate additional flour until the dough is tacky but not sticky. Once combined, let the dough rest to allow yeast to activate.
- Prepare filling: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon zest, and softened unsalted butter until a smooth, spreadable filling forms.
- Roll out dough and spread filling: Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a 12×18 inch rectangle. Evenly spread the lemon sugar filling over the dough.
- Roll and slice: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
- Proof rolls: Arrange the rolls cut side up in a baking pan. Place the pan in the warm 200°F oven and let the rolls rise for 30 minutes until puffy.
- Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Bake the rolls for 28-32 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Prepare and apply glaze: While rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter to make the glaze. Spoon the glaze over the rolls when they are slightly cooled, then garnish with fresh lemon zest.
Notes
- Warm the buttermilk mixture but do not let it become too hot when adding to yeast; it should be lukewarm to avoid killing yeast.
- Resting the dough allows the yeast to activate and improves dough elasticity.
- Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and soaking in too much.
- Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.
- Poppy seeds add a subtle nutty texture; omit if allergic or disliked.
