Name: Best Lemon Sweet Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm milk (110°F); 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast; ½ cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon salt; 4½ cups all-purpose flour (more as needed); ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling); ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling); 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons); 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze); 1½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Why You’ll Love Best Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Lemon Sweet Rolls offer sunshine in every bite with refreshing lemon zest and juice that awaken your taste buds. The sweet and tangy twist on traditional sweet rolls makes this recipe irresistible, whether you’re serving them warm from the oven or as a delightful dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough
1 ½ cups whole milk (warmed)
2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
1 large egg
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
3½ to 4¼ cups flour (bread flour or all‑purpose)
Olive oil or butter for greasing

Filling
¾ cup granulated sugar
1½ tablespoons lemon zest
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for greasing)

Glaze
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Garnish
Lemon slices
Lemon zest

Directions

In a bowl, whisk together warm milk, yeast, egg, sugar, lemon zest, melted butter, and salt until foamy.
Add the flour and knead the dough until it’s smooth and slightly tacky.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size.
Roll the dough into a large rectangle.
Spread the softened butter over the dough, then sprinkle the lemon‑sugar mixture evenly on top.
Tightly roll into a log and pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 pieces.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise again until puffed.
Preheat oven and brush rolls with melted butter. Bake until golden brown.
For the glaze, beat together cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over the warm rolls, garnish with lemon slices and zest, and serve.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: ~30 minutes
Cook Time: ~28 minutes
Rising Time: ~2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours

Variations

Citrus Twist: Replace some lemon zest with orange zest for a mixed citrus flavor.
Fruit Add‑in: Add fresh blueberries or strawberries to the filling before rolling.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the filling.
Lighter Glaze: Use a simple powdered sugar and lemon juice glaze instead of cream cheese.
Less Sweet: Skip the glaze for a more subtle lemon sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooled rolls for up to one month; reheat in the oven until warmed.
Reheating: Microwave leftover rolls for ~30 seconds to soften before serving.
Make Ahead: After shaping, refrigerate rolls for up to 48 hours before baking.

FAQs

What flour works best for these rolls?

Bread flour creates a soft, fluffy dough, but all‑purpose flour works well too.

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes — proof active dry yeast in warm milk with sugar before adding other ingredients.

How long should the dough rise?

The first rise usually takes about an hour, but it may vary with temperature.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No — you can mix and knead by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes — you can refrigerate after shaping for up to 48 hours before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze unbaked rolls?

Yes — freeze after shaping, then thaw and bake when ready.

What’s the best way to reheat?

Warm them in the oven or microwave briefly to refresh the texture.

Can I make the glaze thicker?

Add more powdered sugar to achieve a thicker glaze.

Is lemon juice necessary in the glaze?

Lemon juice adds tangy brightness, but you can adjust the amount for taste.

Conclusion

These Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on classic sweet rolls, combining tender dough and vibrant lemon flavor with a luscious glaze. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, and are sure to impress anyone who loves fresh, citrus‑infused pastries.