Lemon Rolls – sweet dreams kitchen

Lemon Rolls are a delightful treat that brightens any occasion with their zesty flavor and soft texture. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet snack, these rolls combine the tang of fresh lemons with a fluffy dough. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a cozy day at home, Lemon Rolls will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a refreshing taste that is hard to resist.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these rolls fit perfectly into any meal plan.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can master these delightful rolls.
Delicious Icing: Topped with a sweet lemon glaze, these rolls become an irresistible indulgence.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Lemon Rolls, gather your tools for a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook: This tool makes mixing easy and helps achieve the perfect dough consistency without much effort.
Dental Floss: A great tool for cutting the rolled dough into even pieces without squishing them, ensuring your rolls stay fluffy.

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + additional flour added later in the process (530g)
4 1/2 tsp or 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)
2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or zest of 2 large lemons (6g)

For the Filling

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

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
Fresh Lemon Zest

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200 F / 95 C. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl:
1. Combine 4 1/4 cups of flour, 4 1/2 tsp instant dry yeast, 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds, and 1 tsp salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and cut pieces of 1/2 cup butter.
3. Heat this mixture in the microwave for about one minute until warm but not hot. Stir well to combine.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Slowly pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients:
– Mix on medium speed with a dough hook or by hand until sticky dough forms.
– Add in two large eggs one at a time on medium-low speed until fully combined.
– Continue mixing until elastic; add lemon zest and more flour as needed until it leaves the bowl’s sides.

Step 3: Let It Rest

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a towel:
– Allow it to rest for about 10-20 minutes to make rolling easier.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized bowl:
– Combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and light brown sugar with zest from two lemons by massaging it together to release oils.
– Add in softened butter and whisk until combined; set aside.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Once rested:
– Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and roll into a rectangle roughly measuring 12 in x 18 in and about 1/2 cm thick.
– Spread filling over dough while leaving an uncovered strip along one long edge.

Step 6: Roll Up & Cut

Roll up tightly toward the uncovered strip:
– Use dental floss to cut into twelve equal pieces. Place them in a greased or lined pan.
– Cover with foil and place in preheated oven turned off for about thirty minutes to rise.

Step 7: Bake Your Rolls

After rising:
– Preheat oven back to 350 F /175 C. Bake for about 28-32 minutes until golden brown.

Step 8: Make the Icing

While rolls bake:
– Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 9: Finish Up

Once baked:
– Cool for about ten minutes before spooning icing over rolls and topping with fresh lemon zest. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Rolls!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are versatile and sure to please everyone.

For Breakfast

Fresh Fruit: Serve lemon rolls alongside a selection of fresh berries or citrus fruits to enhance the zesty flavor.
Yogurt Parfait: Pair with yogurt and granola for a balanced breakfast that complements the sweetness of the rolls.

With Coffee or Tea

Coffee: Enjoy lemon rolls with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning pick-me-up.
Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea pairs nicely, allowing the lemon flavor to shine through.

As a Dessert

Ice Cream: Top warm lemon rolls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess and sweetness.

How to Perfect Lemon Rolls

Perfecting your lemon rolls can elevate their taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk helps the dough come together smoothly.
Knead Properly: Knead until the dough is elastic. This develops gluten, giving your rolls a fluffy texture.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough ample time to rise. A slower rise enhances flavor and makes the rolls lighter.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfectly golden rolls.
Glaze While Warm: Icing should be added while the rolls are still warm for better absorption and flavor enhancement.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls pair well with various side dishes that complement their bright flavors. Here are some great options:

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the rolls.
Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs provide protein and create a satisfying meal.
Granola Bars: Crunchy granola bars make for a great addition, adding texture alongside soft rolls.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can contrast beautifully with the fruity notes of lemon.
Smoothie Bowl: A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds adds health benefits and variety.
Roasted Vegetables: Offer some roasted veggies as a savory side that contrasts nicely with sweet lemon flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Lemon Rolls can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and rising.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
Skipping the resting time: Allowing the dough to rest is essential for gluten development. Skipping this step can result in tough rolls.
Overbaking the rolls: Keep an eye on the oven; overbaking can dry out your Lemon Rolls. They should be golden brown but still soft.
Not using enough zest: Fresh lemon zest is key to flavor. Don’t skimp on it; it adds brightness and enhances the overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Lemon Rolls in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Lemon Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Rolls

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap rolls in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 20-30 seconds per roll.
Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, cover the rolls with a lid and warm for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Rolls that may help you succeed.

Can I make Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling, then refrigerate it overnight before rolling and baking.

How do I achieve fluffy Lemon Rolls?

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and allow adequate rising time during both stages of preparation.

Can I substitute other flavors for lemon?

Absolutely! You can use orange or lime zest instead for a different citrus twist.

How do I store leftover Lemon Rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Rolls are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different zests or spices. Try these delightful rolls at your next gathering; they are sure to impress!