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A hand holding up a roll cut in half to show the yummy fluffy interior.

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Course: Breads/Rolls
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon rolls
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time:: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 634kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Soft, fluffy, tangy yet sweet make these lemon sweet rolls perfect for breakfast or dessert! They will be a hit with your family and friends!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

LEMON ROLL DOUGH:

  • 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
  • ¼ cup (55g) granulated sugar
  • 1 package (.25 ounces) or 2¼ teaspoon active dry or instant yeast
  • 4 cups (620g) all-purpose or bread flour
  • 4 tablespoons soft butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • zest and juice of 1 large lemon

FILLING:

  • ½ cup (113g) very soft butter
  • ½ cup (110g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (97.5g) packed brown sugar
  • zest of 1 large lemon

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

  • 4 ounces (113g) very soft cream cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • cups (180g) confectioners sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the warm milk (100°F), sugar, and yeast. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. The mixture should be foamy. If it isn't your yeast isn't active and can't be used.
  • Add ½ of the flour, butter, eggs, salt, zest, and lemon juice. Mix by hand just until combined. Add the remaining flour and mix until it becomes stiff. Place on stand mixer fitted with dough hook and knead on speed 1 or 2 for 5 minutes. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place until double in size.
  • Punch dough down and remove from the bowl. Roll into a 12×18 inch rectangle. Spread with soft butter. In a small bowl combine the sugars and zest. Sprinkle over the butter. Roll the dough to form an 18 inch log. Cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a lightly greased 9×13 baking pan.
  • Cover and allow to rise until double in size. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool while making the frosting. Combine the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over warm rolls.

Notes

  1. Read the post for storage, freezing, and overnight instructions.

Nutrition

Calories: 634kcal | Carbohydrates: 116g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 172mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 4mg