Lemon Rolls Recipe

Oh, I’m so excited to share this Lemon Rolls Recipe with you! These rolls are nothing short of magical – soft, tender, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor that brightens your whole kitchen as they bake. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend brunch or a special holiday spread, these lemon rolls charm everyone with their perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness.

What makes this Lemon Rolls Recipe truly worth trying is how approachable it is, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, the pop of fresh lemon zest and that luscious lemon icing on top? Pure happiness in every bite. I always find myself wanting to make a double batch because once you try them, you’ll want to share—and savor—every last roll!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lemon Rolls Recipe uses classic baking staples with a few special touches that bring all the magic together. Each ingredient plays a role—from the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the dough to the fresh lemon zest that lifts the flavor to zingy heights. I always recommend fresh lemons for zest to get that unbeatable aroma.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the structure of your rolls; adding flour gradually helps you get the right dough consistency.
• Instant dry yeast: Quick working yeast that helps the dough rise beautifully without a long wait.
• Poppy seeds (optional): Adds a subtle crunch and a pop of texture—I love the little surprise they bring.
• Fine salt: Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness and lemon notes.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, making the rolls extra soft and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and the filling, but not too much to overshadow the lemon.
• Unsalted butter: Used in the dough, filling, and icing, it provides richness and enhances softness.
• Large eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to its tender texture.
• Fresh lemon zest: The star ingredient—packed with essential oils for that unmistakable lemon brightness.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the filling that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Powdered sugar: For the icing, melts smoothly and brings just the right amount of sweetness.
• Fresh lemon juice: Gives the icing its tart kick, balancing the rich butter and sugar.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing around with this Lemon Rolls Recipe depending on the season and who I’m baking for. You can easily adjust the poppy seeds or swap in a little vanilla or almond extract to change up the flavor profile without losing that lemony essence.

• Variation: Sometimes I fold in a handful of fresh blueberries before rolling up the dough—it’s a refreshing summer twist that everyone’s raves about.
• Dairy-Free: If you prefer dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a mixture of plant milk and lemon juice, and use vegan butter for the filling and icing.
• Less Sweet: If you want a less sweet treat, reduce the granulated sugar in the dough by a couple of tablespoons, balancing it carefully since the filling and icing are already sweet.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough Base

Start by preheating your oven to a low 200°F (95°C) – we’ll use this later for the proofing step. Combine the flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds, and salt in a large bowl or your mixer. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the buttermilk with sugar and butter until the butter mostly melts—make sure it’s warm, not hot! Pour this wet mixture into your dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until the dough forms and is quite sticky. This initial mix creates that tender, soft roll we’re after.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Lemon Zest

One at a time, add your eggs while mixing on medium-low speed. It takes a bit of patience here because the dough is sticky, but keep going until fully combined and elastic. Then mix in that bright fresh lemon zest—it’s a game changer! You’ll notice the dough smell instantly fresh, which is one of my favorite moments.

Step 3: Add Flour to Perfect the Dough Texture

Add in additional flour tablespoon by tablespoon while mixing until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl and feels tacky but not sticky to the touch. My little trick is to poke the dough lightly with a clean finger—no dough residue should stick! Then cover the bowl and let it rest for 10-20 minutes to relax that gluten and make rolling easier.

Step 4: Make Your Lemon Filling While Dough Rests

While the dough is resting, mix the granulated and brown sugars with fresh lemon zest, massaging the zest into the sugars to release all those wonderful oils. Then whisk in softened butter until smooth and combined. This luscious filling is what makes these lemon rolls stand out — so go ahead and taste it! You’ll be tempted to sneak a bit.

Step 5: Roll, Fill & Cut Your Rolls

Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to a 12 x 18 inch rectangle, about half a centimeter thick. Spread the lemon filling evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border to help seal the roll. Using dental floss (your new best friend for baking!), slice the long roll into 12 equal pieces—trust me, this keeps the spirals intact much better than a knife.

Step 6: Proof Rolls in Warm Oven

Place the rolls in a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 pan, cover with foil, then turn your oven OFF and pop the pan inside for about 30 minutes. This gentle warmth gives the yeast a hand for rising, so your rolls get that perfect fluffy lift you’re aiming for.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Remove the foil and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake your rolls for 28-32 minutes or until the tops are a mouthwatering golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they should smell amazing and look irresistible when done!

Step 8: Whip Up the Lemon Icing

While the rolls cool for about 10-20 minutes, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and melted butter until smooth for the icing. The timing here is key—the icing melts just right over warm but not hot rolls, creating that glossy, tangy finish that makes these rolls so addictive.

Step 9: Drizzle and Garnish

Spoon your lemon icing over the warm rolls generously, then sprinkle with a little extra fresh lemon zest for that final pop of color and odor. I love how the zest adds a fresh zing and makes the rolls look as delightful as they taste.

How to Serve Lemon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these lemon rolls with a generous sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for that vibrant, fresh finish. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a more delicate sweetness or a few tiny edible flowers when serving for a spring brunch—it’s simple but stunning!

Side Dishes

These rolls are wonderful alongside a cup of good-quality coffee, or if you want a more substantial brunch, pair them with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad. They also hold up beautifully next to creamy yogurt or a citrusy smoothie for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the lemon rolls in a circular pattern on a decorative platter and drizzle the icing in a swirl pattern to highlight their shape. You can also stack ‘em in a tiered basket for a lovely brunch table centerpiece that’s both functional and eye-catching.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lemon rolls store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. I like to keep them loosely covered with foil on the counter if I plan to eat them quickly, maintaining that soft, fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, wrap individual rolled pieces tightly in plastic wrap before slicing, or freeze the baked rolls in an airtight container. I’ve found freezing before baking works well too—just thaw and proof before popping them in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to warm rolls in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes wrapped in foil, or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. After reheating, you can reapply a little fresh icing or a dusting of powdered sugar to freshen them up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Rolls Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s that joyful, comforting treat that turns any ordinary day into something memorable. The fresh lemon zing combined with soft, buttery dough and sweet icing is just irresistible. Trust me, once you bake these, you’ll find so many reasons (and excuses!) to make them again. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy these bright, tender rolls with your loved ones!

Print