Lemon Rolls are sweet and tangy treats that are sure to brighten your day! With a soft, fluffy dough swirled with zesty lemon filling, they are perfect for dessert or a special breakfast.
What’s great is how easy they are to make. I love pulling them out of the oven and smelling that fresh lemony aroma—it’s like a sunshine hug for your kitchen! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is key for structure in your rolls. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend instead.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the dough perfectly. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but be sure to adjust based on the sweetness level of the alternative.
Buttermilk: This ingredient adds a nice tang and moisture. No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes!
Lemon Zest & Juice: Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten up the flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best for that vibrant taste.
Brown Sugar: This gives a deeper sweetness to the filling. You can use white sugar if you don’t have brown sugar, but consider adding a bit of molasses for that rich flavor.
How Do I Get My Rolls to Rise Well?
To ensure your lemon rolls are fluffy and rise nicely, it’s important to follow a few key techniques:
- Make sure your yeast and baking powder are fresh to ensure they function well.
- After shaping the rolls, give them time to rise. A warm area works best; try placing them near a warm oven but not in it.
- Don’t rush the rising time! Allowing the rolls to sit for 20 minutes helps them puff up.
Finally, be careful not to overwork the dough when mixing. Just combine until you see no dry flour for the best texture!
How to Make Lemon Rolls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for spreading)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice
- Extra lemon zest for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and another 20-25 minutes for baking. So, you can have your delicious Lemon Rolls ready in just under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, get a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly to make sure your rolls don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk them together until everything is well mixed. This will be the base of your dough!
3. Incorporate the Butter:
Add the softened butter to the flour mixture. Use your hands or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. This gives the dough a lovely texture.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s well mixed!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. You want a dough that holds together but isn’t overworked.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Now, on a floured surface, roll out your dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches in size. Try to keep it even so the rolls cook uniformly.
7. Add the Filling:
Brush the surface of the rolled-out dough with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon evenly over it. This adds a sweet, spicy flavor!
8. Roll and Cut:
Starting from one edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Make sure you roll it carefully so it doesn’t fall apart. Once it’s rolled, cut the log into 12 equal slices.
9. Let the Rolls Rise:
Place the slices into the greased baking dish. Let them rise for about 20 minutes. This helps them become fluffy and delicious!
10. Bake the Rolls:
Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Prepare the Icing:
While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until it’s smooth. This will be the sweet topping!
12. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once the rolls are out of the oven and have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the icing generously over the top. Then, add some extra lemon zest on top for a beautiful finish and an extra burst of flavor!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Lemon Rolls are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and watch everyone smile with delight!
Happy baking and enjoy your delightful Lemon Rolls! 🍋🥐
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes, you can! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply add 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle. This homemade buttermilk works perfectly in the recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Lemon Rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I Use Different Types of Sugar for the Filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor, or use white sugar for a sweeter taste. Just keep in mind that using different sugars may slightly alter the texture and flavor.
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice?
If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice, but the flavor will be somewhat different. Alternatively, you can use another citrus like lime juice for a unique twist!
