Lemon Rolls

Lemon Rolls are my go-to when I want something bright, soft, and irresistibly sweet. These fluffy, tender rolls are swirled with a lemony filling and topped with a tangy-sweet lemon glaze that melts right into every warm bite. They’re like the citrusy cousin of cinnamon rolls—and just as comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these rolls because they’re soft and pillowy, with a vibrant lemon flavor that’s both refreshing and indulgent. They’re perfect for spring and summer mornings, brunch gatherings, or anytime I want something cozy that still feels light. The lemon glaze on top is my favorite part—it soaks into the rolls while they’re still warm and adds a burst of brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

ingredients

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

For the dough:

• All-purpose flour

• Granulated sugar

• Instant yeast

• Salt

• Warm milk

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Egg

For the lemon filling:

• Granulated sugar

• Lemon zest

• Unsalted butter, softened

For the lemon glaze:

• Powdered sugar

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Milk or cream (to adjust consistency)

directions

1. I mix the warm milk, melted butter, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for a few minutes until foamy.

2. I stir in the egg and salt, then gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. I knead it until smooth and elastic, then cover it and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

3. For the filling, I combine lemon zest and sugar, then cream it together with softened butter to form a spreadable mixture.

4. Once the dough has risen, I roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. I spread the lemon filling over the dough and roll it up tightly from the long side.

5. I slice the roll into 9–12 even pieces and arrange them in a greased baking dish. I cover and let them rise for another 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 350°F (175°C).

6. I bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden on top and cooked through.

7. While they bake, I whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, I drizzle the glaze over the top and let it melt into every crevice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 9–12 rolls. It takes roughly 20 minutes to prep, 1½ hours for rising, and 25 minutes to bake, so I usually set aside about 2½ hours total from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of cream cheese to the glaze for extra richness or use orange zest for a citrusy twist. For a bit of crunch, I sprinkle sliced almonds or coarse sugar on top before baking. If I want to serve them for dessert, I serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave them for about 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven. I like to add a fresh drizzle of glaze before serving again if needed.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the rolls and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. In the morning, I let them come to room temp, rise, and bake.

What kind of lemon should I use?

I always use fresh lemons for the best flavor. The zest adds most of the brightness, so I don’t skip it.

Can I freeze lemon rolls?

Yes, I freeze them after baking (before glazing). I thaw and warm them, then add fresh glaze right before serving.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Definitely. I use the dough hook to knead the dough until smooth, which saves time and effort.

What’s the best flour for fluffy rolls?

All-purpose flour works great. If I want them extra soft, I sometimes use bread flour, which gives a chewier texture.

Conclusion

Lemon Rolls are a sweet and zesty treat that bring a burst of sunshine to any table. I love the combination of soft, buttery dough and bright citrus flavor—it’s comforting and uplifting all at once. Whether I’m making them for brunch, a special morning, or just because, these rolls always brighten my day.