Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are a bright and zesty twist on classic cinnamon rolls. These soft, fluffy rolls are filled with a sweet lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a creamy, tangy glaze that’s bursting with citrus flavor. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a delightful dessert, these rolls are a sunshine-filled treat that’s sure to brighten your day!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
For the Dough
- 3 1/4 cups (400 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Lemon Filling
- 1/3 cup (75 g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
- Add the warmed milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and lemon zest until fragrant. This releases the oils from the zest for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Roll the risen dough into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle the lemon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
- Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
- Slice the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Beat until creamy and well combined.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
- Spread the glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm before glazing.
Why This Recipe Works
The dough is enriched with butter and milk, creating a soft and fluffy base for the bright lemon filling. The cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the zesty filling, making these rolls an irresistible treat.
Conclusion
Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are a delightful way to add a burst of citrusy flavor to your baking. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, these rolls are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and zest in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Lemon Rolls ahead of time, and if so, what’s the best way to do it?
Yes, you can absolutely make these rolls ahead! For the best results, prepare the rolls up to the assembly stage (Step 3: Assemble the Rolls) the night before. Cover the unbaked rolls tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, remove them from the refrigerator, let them come to room temperature, and rise for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in Step 5. Alternatively, you can freeze the unglazed rolls for up to 3 months; thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm them before glazing.
Are there any substitutions I can make for the ingredients in this recipe, especially if I don’t have all-purpose flour or cream cheese?
Yes, you can make some substitutions. For the all-purpose flour, you can substitute bread flour at a 1:1 ratio, which will result in a slightly chewier roll. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try using mascarpone cheese, also at a 1:1 ratio, though the glaze will have a slightly different flavor profile. You can also experiment with Greek yogurt in the glaze, using approximately 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese, but you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I know when the Lemon Rolls are perfectly baked?
The Lemon Rolls are perfectly baked when they are lightly golden brown on top. You should also see that the internal temperature reaches 190-200°F (88-93°C) when tested with a thermometer. They should be puffy and feel slightly firm to the touch. The aroma of baking bread and lemon should be strong, indicating they are ready.
Can I double or scale up this recipe to make more rolls?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Simply double all the ingredients in the dough, filling, and glaze. You may need to use two 9×13 inch baking dishes or a larger baking pan. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly; keep an eye on the rolls and add a few minutes if needed. Remember that doubling the recipe may require a larger mixing bowl or a stand mixer with a larger capacity.
What are the nutritional highlights of these Lemon Rolls?
These Lemon Rolls offer some nutritional benefits, primarily from the lemon zest and juice, which provide a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. The milk in the dough contributes calcium, and the butter adds some fat-soluble vitamins. While the recipe is primarily a treat, the inclusion of whole milk and eggs contributes protein. Remember that these rolls are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
LEMON ROLLS WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE GLAZE
A delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, these lemon rolls are soft, fluffy, and topped with a creamy lemon cream cheese glaze, perfect for a refreshing breakfast or dessert treat.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 cups all-purpose flour Sifted to remove lumps
- 1 packet instant yeast
- 0.5 cup warm milk Between 100-110°F
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter Melted
- 1 large egg Room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon zest About 2 lemons
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and instant yeast.
- Add warm milk, sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and lemon zest.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangle, spread with lemon filling, and roll up tightly.
- Slice into 12 equal pieces and place in a greased baking dish. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. The rolls are best enjoyed warm.
