Lemon rolls are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. With a fresh citrusy flavor, soft dough, and a tangy glaze, these rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The combination of zesty lemon and sweet icing creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more. I love how the scent of these rolls fills the kitchen, making them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a citrusy treat, these lemon rolls are sure to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these lemon rolls because they bring together the comfort of a classic sweet roll with the refreshing kick of lemon. The dough is soft and fluffy, and the lemon glaze gives it a tangy, sweet finish that’s hard to resist. The recipe is simple to follow, and while it may take a bit of time, the end result is totally worth the wait. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a weekend breakfast or a gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients

1 package active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
1/2 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons lemon zest
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Heres a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, mix the yeast with warm milk and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir in 3 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5–7 minutes, adding the remaining flour until it’s smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Punch the dough down and roll it out into a rectangle (about 1/2 inch thick).
Mix together the lemon juice, zest, and sugar, then spread the mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly and slice it into 12 rolls.
Arrange the rolls in a greased baking pan and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Once the rolls are done, drizzle the glaze over them while they’re still warm. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 12 rolls. The prep time is approximately 2 hours, including the time for the dough to rise. The bake time is around 25–30 minutes, making the total time to prepare these rolls roughly 2.5 hours.

Variations

Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough before rolling it up for an added burst of flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap the lemon glaze for a creamy cream cheese frosting for a richer twist.
Cinnamon Lemon Rolls: Add a cinnamon-sugar filling along with the lemon filling for a fusion of cinnamon and lemon flavors.
Vegan Lemon Rolls: Use non-dairy milk, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Lemon rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave them for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until they are heated through.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work as a substitute in a pinch.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise overnight in the fridge. The next morning, just shape, let it rise, and bake.

Can I freeze these lemon rolls?

Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

How do I prevent the rolls from getting too hard?

To keep the rolls soft, make sure to not overbake them. Keep an eye on the color, and take them out as soon as they turn golden brown.

Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?

Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to make the glaze as sweet or tangy as you like.

Conclusion

These lemon rolls are the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The soft dough, combined with the lemon glaze, creates a delicious treat that I love making for family and friends. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy morning at home, these rolls will bring a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.