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Lemon Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

These Lemon Rolls are a delightful sweet treat featuring a soft, buttery dough infused with fresh lemon zest and topped with a tangy lemon icing. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine a tender crumb with a vibrant citrus filling and a luscious glaze for a refreshing flavor experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (530g), plus additional flour as needed
  • 4 1/2 tsp (2 packets) instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g), cut into Tbsp-sized pieces
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (from 2 large lemons) (6g)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (from 2 large lemons) (6g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

Icing Ingredients

  • 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
  • Fresh lemon zest for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Stand Mixer with Dough Hook or Danish Dough Whisk
  • Ruler
  • Dental Floss

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lemon Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 4 1/4 cups flour, yeast, poppy seeds (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, warm buttermilk, granulated sugar, and butter in the microwave for 1 minute until the butter mostly melts and mixture is warm but not hot. Pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed with a dough hook or by hand until sticky.
  2. Add Eggs and Lemon Zest: Incorporate the eggs one at a time on medium-low speed, mixing until fully combined. Continue mixing until the dough becomes elastic. Mix in the lemon zest on medium speed until incorporated.
  3. Add Additional Flour: Add flour 1 Tbsp at a time while mixing until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl but remains tacky. The dough should feel tacky but not sticky when poked with a finger.
  4. Rest Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let the dough rest for 10-20 minutes to relax and make rolling easier.
  5. Make Filling: In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest. Massage zest into sugars to release oils. Add softened butter and whisk to combine thoroughly.
  6. Roll and Fill Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12 x 18 inch rectangle about 1/2 cm thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch strip uncovered on one long edge.
  7. Form Rolls: Roll the dough tightly from the long side toward the uncovered strip. Use dental floss to cut into 12 equal pieces. Place rolls in a greased or lined 9×13-inch pan evenly spaced.
  8. First Proof (Rising): Turn the oven OFF. Cover rolls with foil and place in the warm oven for 30 minutes to rise until puffed and increased in size.
  9. Bake Rolls: Remove foil and turn oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 28-32 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Prepare Icing: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter together until smooth.
  11. Cool and Ice Rolls: Let rolls cool for 10-20 minutes, then spoon icing over the top and garnish with fresh lemon zest.

Notes

  • Ensure buttermilk mixture is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Use dental floss to cut rolls cleanly without squashing them.
  • Resting the dough makes it easier to roll out and handle.
  • Covering the rolls during the first rise in the oven helps provide a warm environment for better proofing.
  • Adjust flour quantity slightly depending on humidity and dough consistency.
  • Poppy seeds are optional but add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.

Keywords: lemon rolls, sweet rolls, citrus rolls, baked lemon treats, breakfast rolls

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/lemon-rolls-recipe/