Lemon Rolls

These Lemon Rolls are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny brunch or a cozy breakfast at home. Soft and fluffy with gooey centers, these rolls are bursting with fresh lemon flavor and topped with a delightful lemon icing. They’re quick to make and will impress your family and friends, making them an ideal addition to summer gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 90 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy freshly baked lemon rolls in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice creates a vibrant taste that elevates your breakfast experience.
• Soft and Fluffy Texture: These rolls bake up light and airy, ensuring every bite is enjoyable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack any time of day.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your lemon rolls, gather the essential tools. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook or Danish Dough Whisk
• 9 x 13-inch Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Ruler
• Dental Floss

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook: Makes kneading the dough easier, ensuring it’s well combined without much effort.
• 9 x 13-inch Pan: Ideal for baking these rolls evenly and gives them enough space to rise beautifully.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze after baking.

Ingredients

To create these delicious lemon rolls, gather the following 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 (6g)

For the Filling

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (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: Prepare the Dough

• In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm buttermilk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
• Add eggs, room temperature butter, sugar, salt, fresh lemon zest, and most of the flour. Mix until combined.
• Knead on low speed for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

• Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
• Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

• Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
• Spread softened butter over the surface of the dough followed by the filling mixture evenly.

Step 5: Shape the Rolls

• Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, roll the dough tightly into a log shape.
• Use dental floss to cut into even pieces approximately 1½ inches thick.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Place cut rolls into a parchment-lined pan. Cover again and let rise for another 20 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 25–28 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 8: Prepare Icing

• While cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and additional zest until smooth.

Step 9: Drizzle Icing

• Once cooled slightly but still warm, drizzle icing over each roll before serving. Enjoy your homemade lemon rolls!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Their bright, citrusy flavor makes them perfect for pairing with a variety of accompaniments.

For Breakfast

• Coffee – A warm cup of coffee complements the sweetness and tang of lemon rolls beautifully.
• Fresh Fruit – Serve with a side of mixed berries or sliced fruit for a refreshing contrast.

For Brunch

• Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a balanced brunch option.
• Scrambled Eggs – Pairing lemon rolls with fluffy scrambled eggs adds protein to your meal.

As a Snack

• Tea – Enjoy lemon rolls with a soothing cup of herbal tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Cheese Plate – Add some creamy cheeses to the mix; the richness balances the tartness of the rolls.

How to Perfect Lemon Rolls

Creating perfect lemon rolls is all about attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Knead Properly – Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This helps develop gluten for fluffy rolls.
• Don’t Skip the Rise Time – Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size; this ensures light and airy rolls.
• Measure Flour Accurately – Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can lead to dense rolls.
• Brush with Butter Before Baking – Adding melted butter before baking enhances flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls pair well with various side dishes, creating a complete meal experience. Here are some great options!

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
2. Granola – Crunchy granola provides texture and can be served alongside yogurt or on its own.
3. Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast offers healthy fats that complement lemon’s zesty flavor.
4. Smoothie Bowl – A colorful smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds pairs well for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
5. Oven-Baked Hash Browns – Crispy hash browns add savory notes that contrast deliciously with sweet lemon rolls.
6. Cucumber Salad – Refreshing cucumber salad brings crunch and lightness, making it an ideal side dish choice.
7. Chia Seed Pudding – Creamy chia pudding can be flavored with lemon zest, echoing the flavors in your lemon rolls while providing extra nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your rolls come out perfectly.

• Skipping the yeast proofing: Always ensure your yeast is active by proofing it in warm buttermilk before adding it to the dough. This step helps achieve fluffy rolls.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder the dough’s rise and texture.
• Overworking the dough: Knead just until the dough is smooth and elastic. Over-kneading can lead to tough rolls instead of soft and fluffy ones.
• Ignoring the rising times: Give your dough enough time to rise as directed in the recipe. Rushing this step can lead to dense Lemon Rolls.
• Using too much flour: Add flour gradually until you reach the right consistency. Too much flour can dry out your rolls, making them less enjoyable.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Rolls

• Freeze Lemon Rolls before icing for best results.
• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Rolls

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap rolls in foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Rolls.

Can I use different citrus fruits for flavor?

Yes! You can replace lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist in your rolls.

How do I know my yeast is active?

To check if your instant dry yeast is active, mix it with warm buttermilk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. If it bubbles and froths, it’s good to use!

Can I make these Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and shape the rolls. You can refrigerate them overnight before baking or freeze them for later use.

What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise well, check that your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm (not hot) liquids. A draft-free environment also helps with rising.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Rolls are not only fluffy and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—from breakfast to brunch gatherings. Feel free to customize them with additional spices or toppings like nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste preferences!