Lemon Rolls Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Lemon Rolls Recipe because it’s one of those magical treats that feels fresh and comforting all at once. The bright, zesty lemon flavor combined with soft, buttery dough is a combo that never fails to put a smile on my face—and I promise you’ll feel the same way once you try it at home. Whether you’re serving these for a special brunch or a cozy weekend breakfast, they’re guaranteed to impress!

This Lemon Rolls Recipe stands out because it’s approachable but packed with flavor and texture. The dough is tender, the filling is packed with lemon zest and sugar that caramelizes beautifully, and the glaze is the perfect citrus finish. Plus, I’ve included some tips from my own kitchen experience to make sure you nail every step without stress.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients for this Lemon Rolls Recipe are pretty classic, but each plays its own unique role to give you those soft, flavorful rolls with a vibrant lemon kick. When purchasing, go for fresh lemons with a bright peel and good fragrance—fresh zest is a game changer here.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough; has the perfect protein content for tender rolls that still hold structure.
• Instant dry yeast: Gives your dough that beautiful rise and fluffy texture without long wait times.
• Poppy seeds (optional): Adds a subtle texture and slight nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with lemon.
• Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
• Buttermilk: Brings acidity that tenderizes the dough and adds depth of flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and fuels the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Unsalted butter: Keeps the rolls rich and moist; softened for easy mixing and melted for the icing.
• Eggs: Help provide structure and richness, making the dough soft and elastic.
• Fresh lemon zest: The star ingredient, bringing bright citrus oils that infuse every bite.
• Light brown sugar: Used in the filling, adds moisture and a slight caramel note to complement the lemon.
• Powdered sugar: For smooth, sweet icing that blends with fresh lemon juice for a perfect glaze.
• Fresh lemon juice: Makes the icing tangy and refreshing, cutting through the sweetness.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Lemon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds. I often tweak the filling by adding a touch of vanilla or swapping poppy seeds for a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary for a unique twist that still feels bright and fresh.

• Variation: I once made these lemon rolls with a blueberry cream cheese filling—talk about a winner for brunch! You can switch up the citrus too; orange zest works beautifully if you want a softer, sweeter flavor.
• Dietary Modifications: Use a vegan butter substitute and a flax egg to make this recipe vegan-friendly. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious!
• Seasonal Changes: In summer, I like adding fresh herbs like thyme into the filling for a fresh garden flavor. In winter, a sprinkle of cinnamon with the lemon zest adds warm depth.

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

Step 1: Wake Up Your Yeast and Combine Ingredients

This Lemon Rolls Recipe starts by mixing your dry ingredients—flour, yeast, poppy seeds (if you’re using them), and salt—to create the dough base. Then, I gently warm the buttermilk, sugar, and butter together just so the butter melts and the mix feels warm, but not hot—remember, too hot can kill your yeast!

Pour the warm mixture slowly into the dry ingredients and stir with your dough hook or dough whisk. It’ll feel sticky and a little wild at first, but stick with it—then add your eggs one at a time until it all comes together into an elastic dough.

Step 2: Add Lemon Zest and Flour to the Perfect Texture

Now the zingy part: toss in your lemon zest and mix until it’s evenly spread throughout the dough. Then, slowly add extra flour one tablespoon at a time while mixing so the dough begins to clean the sides of the bowl and feels tacky but not sticky. Pro tip: the poke test is your best friend here. Press your finger and it should spring back without any dough sticking to your skin.

Once happy, cover your dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10-20 minutes. This little break sets you up perfectly to roll it out easily later on.

Step 3: Stir Up Your Lemon Filling

While your dough has its rest, get the filling ready. Combine your sugars and lemon zest and really massage the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release those fantastic lemon oils. Add softened butter and whisk everything until smooth—it should smell incredible and creamy.

Step 4: Roll, Fill, and Cut Your Rolls

Lightly flour your workspace and roll the dough out into a neat rectangle about 12 x 18 inches and half a centimeter thick—this size will give you those perfect portions. Then, spread your filling evenly across the dough, keeping about a half-inch strip clear on one long edge so you can seal it well when rolling.

Here’s where the dental floss magic happens: roll from the long side with filling toward the uncovered strip, then use a length of dental floss (untwisted) to gently slice into 12 equal pieces—this keeps the rolls intact without squishing them. Arrange the rolls snugly in your prepared pan and get ready for the next step.

Step 5: Proof the Rolls—In Your Warm Oven

This proofing hack is my favorite secret to light, fluffy rolls: turn your oven on low (200°F/95°C) for just a minute or two then turn it off. Place your pan with covered rolls inside with a foil tent on top for about 30 minutes. You’ll see the rolls puff up and grow in size beautifully. Don’t skip this step—the warm oven acts like a cozy little greenhouse for your dough!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

After proofing, remove the foil and turn the oven up to 350°F (175°C). Bake your lemon rolls for about 28 to 32 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden-brown color and you can smell that amazing lemon aroma. If you use a glass baking dish instead of metal, I recommend lowering the temperature to 325°F to avoid over-browning.

Step 7: Whip Up and Drizzle the Lemon Icing

While the rolls cool for 10-20 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter for a smooth, citrusy glaze—the citrus bite here perfectly balances the buttery sweetness of the rolls. Spoon the icing over each roll generously, then finish off with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for a little extra pop. It’s those final little touches that make you want to dive right in!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these lemon rolls with an extra sprinkle of fresh lemon zest right after icing—it adds a pop of color and an intense lemon aroma that’s irresistible. Sometimes I also dust with a tiny bit of powdered sugar for a delicate look.

Side Dishes

These rolls are perfect as a stand-alone treat with coffee or tea, but I also enjoy serving them alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to keep breakfast bright and refreshing. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of clotted cream adds extra indulgence if you’re feeling fancy!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the rolls in a circular pattern in a round pan, then garnished the center with edible flowers and lemon slices—such a showstopper for a brunch table. You can drizzle extra icing in a zigzag pattern or pipe lemon curd down the middle before rolling for a tangier surprise inside.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which happens rarely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They stay soft and flavorful but avoid refrigeration if you want to keep the texture perfect, as it can dry them out.

Freezing

I often freeze unbaked rolls after shaping and cutting, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready, I thaw them in the fridge overnight and let them warm and proof in the oven before baking. They turn out almost as fresh as the first time!

Reheating

For reheating, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave is fine, but I recommend using a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh the texture without making them chewy. Add a little fresh icing after warming for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Rolls Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together simplicity and bright flavor in the best way. I’ve made these countless times for friends and family, and every time someone asks for the recipe. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these as I do—grab some fresh lemons, get your hands a little floury, and dive in. You’re going to love the results!

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