Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a zesty, soft, and fluffy twist on classic cinnamon rolls, filled with a tangy lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a rich lemon glaze. Perfect for spring mornings or a refreshing dessert, these rolls brighten any table with their citrusy aroma and light texture. They’re a perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for lemon lovers.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

all-purpose floursugaractive dry yeastwarm milkunsalted buttereggsaltlemons (zest and juice)powdered sugarcream cheesevanilla extract

directions

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.

Add softened butter and knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar with lemon zest for the filling.

Roll out the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread softened butter on top, then sprinkle with the lemon-sugar mixture.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 even rolls.

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

While rolls cool slightly, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cream cheese until smooth.

Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 12 lemon sweet rolls.Preparation time: 25 minutesRising time: 1 hour 45 minutesBaking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Variations

Add blueberries to the filling for a fruity twist.

Use orange zest and juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

Top with crushed freeze-dried raspberries for color and texture.

Make mini rolls by slicing thinner pieces for bite-sized treats.

storage/reheating

Store rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Reheat in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to refresh their softness.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls the night before, refrigerate them, and let them come to room temperature before baking the next morning.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze the shaped rolls before the second rise. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?

You can use just powdered sugar and lemon juice for a thinner, tart glaze.

Do I need a stand mixer?

It helps, but you can knead the dough by hand—it just takes a bit more effort.

How do I keep the rolls from drying out?

Cover them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if they’re browning too fast, and store properly after cooling.

Conclusion

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a bright and flavorful way to start your day or satisfy a sweet craving. With their fluffy dough, vibrant lemon filling, and luscious glaze, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for citrus lovers. Perfect for brunches, holidays, or any day that needs a little sunshine.