Lemon rolls are like little bundles of sunshine wrapped in dough, ready to brighten your day with a zingy pop of citrus flavor. The moment you take a bite, the fluffy sweetness of the roll meets the refreshing tartness of lemon, creating a delightful explosion that dances on your taste buds. festive holiday recipes sweet side dishes for the holidays.
Picture this: it’s a Sunday morning, and the sun is just peeking through your kitchen window. You decide to whip up these lemon rolls, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma that makes even the grumpiest cat perk up in curiosity. perfect pairing for lemon rolls Whether it’s brunch with friends or simply indulging in a sweet treat while binge-watching your favorite show, these rolls are perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These lemon rolls offer an easy preparation method that even novice bakers can master
- Their bright flavor profile combines sweetness and tartness for an irresistible treat
- The golden-brown finish is visually appealing and will impress anyone who sees them
- They’re versatile enough to serve for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack!
I once made lemon rolls for a family gathering and received so many compliments that I almost started charging for my baking services! For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your dough; be sure to use unbleached flour for better texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and the filling; adjust based on your preference for sweetness.
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Yeast: Instant yeast works best for quick rising; look for fresh packets for optimal results.
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Milk: Use whole milk for richness, but any kind works well when heated slightly before mixing.
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Butter: Softened butter adds flavor and moisture; don’t skip it unless you want sad rolls.
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Lemon Zest: Freshly grated zest brings vibrant flavor; avoid dried zest for the best results.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh juice brightens up both the dough and filling; bottled juice lacks that zing.
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Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the dough.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: In a large bowl, mix warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit until foamy; this should take about 5 minutes. The yeast needs to feel loved before we continue!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture alongside melted butter and eggs. Mix until it forms a sticky dough that’s begging to be kneaded—literally!
Knead Away: Dust your countertop with flour and knead the dough for around 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Imagine you’re giving it a mini workout—it deserves it!
Let It Rise: Place your kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 1 hour). Patience is key here!
Create Your Filling: While waiting, mix softened butter with sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy—a task that’s both fun and delicious! Just try not to eat all of it before rolling.
Roll It Up: Once risen, roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread your luscious filling evenly over it before rolling tightly from one end to another. Try not to drool on your masterpiece.
Slice and Bake: Cut the rolled dough into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes before baking at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown (about 25-30 minutes). Trust me—you’ll want to keep an eye on them because they smell incredible!
Enjoying homemade lemon rolls straight from the oven feels like winning the lottery! They’re fluffy delights bursting with flavor—perfectly paired with coffee or tea!
Now that you’re armed with this delightful recipe, get ready to share these lemon rolls with friends or hoard them all to yourself—you deserve every last crumb! delicious appetizer options.
You Must Know
- These lemon rolls are not just delicious; they burst with zesty flavor and a delightful texture
- Make sure to let the dough rise properly for fluffy results
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rise while you mix the filling. This sequence maximizes flavor and efficiency for perfect lemon rolls.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon juice for lime or add poppy seeds for extra crunch. Get creative with your fillings and toppings!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect lemon rolls, ensure your yeast is fresh; it makes all the difference
- Don’t rush the rising process; patience leads to fluffy rolls
- Always zest before juicing lemons; it gives a more intense flavor
Baking these lemon rolls reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and everyone fought for the last piece.
FAQ
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
While fresh juice offers better flavor, bottled can work in a pinch.
How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel airy when ready.
What can I do if my lemon rolls are too dense?
Make sure your yeast is active; density usually indicates under-rising or old yeast.
Lemon Rolls
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Lemon rolls are delightful treats that combine fluffy sweetness with a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. Perfect for brunch or as a snack, these rolls fill your home with an inviting aroma and are sure to impress family and friends. With a simple preparation method, even novice bakers can create these irresistible delights. Get ready to enjoy warm, golden-brown lemon rolls that brighten any occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Gradually mix in flour, softened butter, and eggs until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for approximately 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling by mixing softened butter with sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy.
- Roll out the risen dough into a rectangle, spread the filling evenly over it, then roll tightly from one end to another.
- Slice the rolled dough into equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish. Allow to rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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