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Lemon Rolls Recipe

Lemon Rolls Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Heavenly Lemon Rolls blend zesty citrus with pillowy dough, creating a sunshine-kissed pastry that dances between tangy and sweet. Promising comfort and bright morning delight, these rolls invite you to savor each luscious, lemony bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Rolls Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Leavening and Flavoring Agents:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 23 tablespoons lemon juice (for icing)
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, melted (for spreading)
  • Extra lemon zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by preheating the oven to 350°F and generously greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda using a whisk to ensure even distribution.
  3. Incorporate softened butter into the dry ingredient mixture, working it with your hands or a fork until the texture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
  4. Create a separate mixture by whisking buttermilk, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until completely integrated.
  5. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender dough consistency.
  6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a precise 12×8 inch rectangular shape, ensuring even thickness.
  7. Brush the entire surface of the rolled dough with melted butter, then evenly distribute brown sugar and cinnamon across the rectangle.
  8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log from the longer edge, applying gentle pressure to create a compact cylinder.
  9. Slice the log into 12 equal portions and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
  10. Allow the rolls to rest and slightly rise for 20 minutes, which helps develop their light and airy texture.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect doneness.
  12. Whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice together to create a smooth, glossy icing during the baking process.
  13. Remove rolls from the oven and let them cool briefly, then generously drizzle with lemon icing and sprinkle additional lemon zest for a vibrant garnish.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in the rolls.
  • Allow dough to rest and rise in a warm, draft-free area to help rolls become light and fluffy.
  • Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar in filling or icing for a less sweet version of the rolls.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg