Go Back
Delicious soft and fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls topped with creamy lemon icing.

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Soft and fluffy rolls with a refreshing lemon flavor, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 3 cups All purpose flour, plus a little extra for rolling
  • 1 cup Warm milk (not hot)
  • 2 teaspoons Active dry yeast (or instant yeast) If using instant yeast, you can skip proofing.
  • 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Butter (softened for dough)
  • 1/4 cup Melted butter (for filling)
  • 2 large Fresh lemons (zest and juice) Fresh lemon zest is recommended for flavor.
For the filling and glaze
  • 1/2 cup Sugar For filling.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon zest For filling.
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar For glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice For glaze.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wake up the yeast: Warm the milk until it feels like a comfy bath, not hot. Stir in a little sugar, sprinkle in the yeast, and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it looks foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a big bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg, and softened butter. Stir until it comes together, then knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth. If it is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time, but do not overdo it.
  3. Let it rise: Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
  4. Make the filling: Mix sugar with lemon zest. Melt butter separately.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Roll the dough into a rectangle. Brush with melted butter, then sprinkle the lemon sugar evenly.
  2. Slice the log into 9 to 12 pieces.
  3. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise again for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  4. Bake at 350°F until lightly golden and cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  5. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice until thick but pourable. Pour over warm rolls.

Notes

These rolls can be made ahead by refrigerating or freezing before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.