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Lemon Rolls

Delicious zesty lemon rolls that combine buttery sweetness with bright citrus flavors, perfect for making mornings special.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 4 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional) For garnish and texture
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Filling Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for filling, softened)
Icing Ingredients
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for icing, melted)
  • Fresh lemon zest (for topping)

Method
 

Prepare Dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 200 F / 95 C.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, poppy seeds, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, granulated sugar, and butter; gently heat until warm.
  4. Combine the warm mixture with dry ingredients and mix.
  5. Incorporate eggs one at a time and add lemon zest.
  6. Adjust with flour until the dough is tacky.
  7. Let it rest covered for 10–20 minutes.
Prepare Filling
  1. Mix sugars and lemon zest together.
  2. Add softened butter and whisk until spreadable.
Shape Rolls
  1. Roll dough into a rectangle, spread filling evenly, and roll up tightly.
  2. Cut into pieces and place the rolls snugly in a greased pan.
Proof and Bake
  1. Turn off the oven, cover rolls with foil, and let rise inside for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F / 175 C, then bake rolls for 28–32 minutes until golden and aromatic.
Prepare Icing
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until glossy.
  2. Let the rolls cool slightly, then pour icing over warm spirals, finishing with fresh lemon zest.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze un-iced rolls for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.