Tangy Lemon Rolls With Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Crafting delectable lemon rolls transforms an ordinary afternoon into a zesty culinary adventure.

Sweet aromas will soon fill your kitchen with bright, citrusy notes.

Soft, pillowy dough becomes the canvas for tangy lemon magic.

Each bite promises a burst of sunshine-infused flavor that dances across your palate.

Delicate layers melt effortlessly, revealing subtle hints of refreshing citrus.

Bakers seeking a delightful twist on classic pastry will fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated treat.

You’ll want to savor every moment of creating these irresistible rolls that spark pure joy.

Why Lemon Rolls With Cream Cheese Glaze Are Pure Joy

• Burst with Bright Flavors: Zesty lemon infuses every bite, creating a refreshing twist on classic sweet rolls that dances on your taste buds.
• Perfect for Sharing: These rolls bring people together, making them ideal for brunches, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats that everyone will adore.
• Simple Baking Adventure: Straightforward steps and common ingredients make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Soft, pillowy rolls with a tangy cream cheese glaze offer a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients For Lemon Rolls With Creamy Glaze

• Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the rolls.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation and browning.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor to the dough.

• Milk: Creates a warm environment for yeast and adds moisture to the dough.
• Eggs: Contribute richness, binding, and tender texture to the rolls.
• Butter: Adds flavor, softness, and helps create a tender crumb.

• Butter, Sugar, Lemon Zest: A combination that creates a sweet and tangy filling with a rich, aromatic profile.

• Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, Vanilla: A creamy, tangy topping that complements the rolls with bright citrus notes and sweetness.

• Yeast: Essential for creating rise and developing the bread's texture and flavor.

How To Make Lemon Rolls From Scratch

Step 1: Wake Up The Yeast

Pour warm milk into a cozy bowl and sprinkle yeast. Let it bubble and dance for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and alive.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Fresh lemon zest

Whisk together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Blend softened butter and eggs into the milk-yeast mixture. Whisk energetically until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 4: Form Silky Dough

Slowly incorporate wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Knead lovingly until the dough becomes soft, stretchy, and pulls away from bowl edges.

Step 5: First Rise Adventure

Cover dough with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm spot for about an hour until it doubles in size, looking puffy and promising.

Step 6: Roll Out The Dough

Gently roll dough into a rectangular shape, aiming for an even 1/4 inch thickness.

Step 7: Create Luscious Filling

• Sugar
• Lemon zest

Step 8: Shape Delightful Rolls

Roll dough tightly from the long edge, forming a perfect log. Slice into 12 even, beautiful rolls.

Step 9: Prepare For Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased baking pan with slight spacing. Let them rise again for 30 minutes, getting puffy and excited.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until they turn golden brown and release an irresistible aroma.

Step 11: Whip Up Tangy Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend until luxuriously creamy.

Step 12: Drizzle And Decorate

Pour warm lemon cream cheese glaze over freshly baked rolls, letting it cascade deliciously.

Step 13: Rest And Serve

Allow rolls to rest for 10 minutes, letting glaze set and flavors mingle. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips For Fluffy Lemon Rolls With Glaze

• Boost Yeast Performance: Ensure milk is warm (not hot) to activate yeast effectively without killing microorganisms.
• Prevent Dry Dough: Cover rising dough with damp kitchen towel to maintain moisture and prevent surface from drying out.
• Master Perfect Roll Texture: Allow rolls to rise in draft-free, warm area like inside turned-off oven for consistent, fluffy results.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Add powdered sugar gradually to cream cheese mixture, adjusting liquid to achieve desired drizzling thickness.
• Maximize Lemon Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest and room-temperature ingredients to enhance citrusy notes and ensure smooth blending.

Tasty Variations Of Lemon Rolls You Can Try

• Lavender Lemon Rolls: Infuse dough with dried lavender buds for a floral undertone, creating an elegant and aromatic variation that complements the bright lemon flavor.
• Orange Cardamom Rolls: Replace lemon zest with orange zest and add ground cardamom to the filling, offering a warm, spicy note that transforms the classic recipe into an exotic treat.
• Blueberry Lemon Rolls: Sprinkle fresh or dried blueberries into the filling before rolling, adding bursts of fruity sweetness that pair beautifully with the tangy lemon glaze.
• Almond Lemon Rolls: Incorporate almond extract into the dough and sprinkle sliced almonds over the filling, introducing a nutty crunch and depth to the original recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Lemon Rolls With Glaze

• Elevate Citrus Sweet Harmony: Drink and Food Pairings
• Brew Perfect Tea Match: Steep Earl Grey or chamomile tea to complement the lemon rolls' delicate citrus notes, providing a refreshing counterpoint that enhances the pastry's bright flavor profile.
• Craft Complementary Breakfast Plate: Serve alongside light Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries or a small fruit salad, creating a balanced morning meal that highlights the rolls' zesty sweetness.
• Select Creamy Beverage Companion: Pour cold milk or a smooth vanilla latte to balance the tangy lemon cream cheese glaze, softening the citrus intensity while adding creamy texture to each bite.

How To Store Lemon Rolls Without Drying Them Out

• Store cooled lemon rolls in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and moist.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, preserving them for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Keep rolls covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, best consumed within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen rolls in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs About Lemon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before. After the first rise, cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before shaping to let it come to room temperature.

• What if my yeast doesn't foam?

If your yeast doesn’t activate, it might be expired or the milk was too hot or cold. Discard and start over with fresh yeast and milk at 110°F, which is warm but not hot.

• How do I know the dough is properly kneaded?

The dough should be smooth, elastic, and pull away from the bowl’s sides. When you gently stretch a small piece, it should form a thin, translucent “window” without tearing.

• Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

For best results, stick to the original recipe.

Lemon Rolls With Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes – 1 hour 39 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon rolls dance with tangy cream cheese glaze, promising a citrusy symphony of flavors. Bakers can savor these irresistible treats that blend sweet comfort with bright Mediterranean sunshine, inviting you to indulge in pure lemony bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp lemon zest

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest

Glaze Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Activate yeast in warm milk, letting it foam for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper fermentation.
2. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient base.
3. Incorporate softened butter and eggs into the milk-yeast mixture, whisking until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, kneading into a soft, elastic dough that pulls away from bowl sides.
5. Cover dough and let rise in a warm environment for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.
6. Roll out dough into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
7. Spread melted butter across dough surface, then sprinkle with sugar and lemon zest for filling.
8. Carefully roll dough from long edge, creating a tight log, then slice into 12 even rolls.
9. Place rolls in a greased baking pan, allowing slight separation for expansion, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
10. Preheat oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
11. While cooling, whip cream cheese until smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla.
12. Drizzle warm lemon cream cheese glaze over rolls immediately after removing from oven.
13. Allow rolls to rest for 10 minutes before serving to let glaze set and flavors meld.

Notes

• Activate yeast precisely in warm milk (110-115°F) to guarantee perfect rising and avoid killing the yeast with excessive heat.
• Ensure dough consistency by adding flour gradually, stopping when it becomes soft and slightly tacky without sticking excessively to hands.
• Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrus flavor, grating only the bright yellow part of the peel to prevent bitter undertones from white pith.
• Customize rolls for dietary needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free butter for alternative versions without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg