Lemon Rolls – tastykitchenjoy

Lemon Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the zesty brightness of lemons with a soft, fluffy dough. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, these rolls are sure to impress friends and family at any occasion. The unique flavor profile and inviting aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Tangy: The fresh lemon zest and juice create a bright flavor that elevates these rolls to something special.
Fluffy Texture: Thanks to the yeast dough, every bite is soft and airy, making them a pleasure to enjoy.
Versatile Treat: Serve them warm for breakfast, or enjoy them as a dessert with icing—perfect for any time of day.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these Lemon Rolls is an enjoyable experience for bakers of all levels.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirl of lemon filling makes these rolls not only tasty but also visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure you’re well-prepared. This will help streamline your efforts in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook or Danish Dough Whisk
Ruler
Dental Floss
9 x 13-inch Pan
Parchment Paper

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook: This tool makes mixing dough easier, saving you time and effort while ensuring thorough blending.
Dental Floss: A handy tool for cutting the rolls without squishing them, preserving their beautiful shape.
Ruler: Useful for measuring your dough accurately when rolling it out to achieve the perfect size rectangle.

Ingredients

For the Dough

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + additional flour added later in the process (530g)
4 1/2 tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds – optional
1 tsp fine salt (6g)
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)

For the Filling

1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
Fresh Lemon Zest

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200 F / 95 C. In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl:
1. Combine 4 1/4 cups flour, 4 1/2 tsp yeast, poppy seeds if using, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix together buttermilk, granulated sugar, and butter pieces. Heat this mixture in the microwave for about one minute until warm but not hot.
3. Slowly pour this mixture into your dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed with a dough hook or by hand using a whisk.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Knead Dough

Once combined:
1. Mix in each egg one at a time until fully incorporated.
2. Continue mixing until you have an elastic dough—add additional flour as needed until it no longer sticks to your fingers.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let it rest for 10-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While waiting for the dough:
1. In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest.
2. Massage the zest into the sugars until aromatic.
3. Add softened butter and whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough and Shape Rolls

After resting:
1. On a floured surface, roll out dough into a rectangle approximately 12 in x 18 in and about 1/2 cm thick.
2. Spread filling over leaving an inch uncovered on one long side.
3. Roll tightly toward that uncovered strip and cut into equal pieces using dental floss.
4. Place in greased or lined pan and cover with foil before placing in turned-off oven for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven back to 350 F / 175 C then bake for about 28-32 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Make Icing

To finish:
1. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Once rolls have cooled slightly, drizzle icing over top and garnish with fresh lemon zest.

Enjoy your delightful Lemon Rolls!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten up any meal or occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your lemon rolls experience.

With Fresh Berries

Serve lemon rolls alongside a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

Include lemon rolls in a brunch buffet alongside other pastries, fruits, and beverages for a delicious mid-morning gathering.

Drizzled with Extra Icing

For those with a sweet tooth, drizzle additional icing over warm lemon rolls just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Paired with Herbal Tea

Enjoy lemon rolls with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, to complement the citrus flavor perfectly.

With Whipped Cream

Top your lemon rolls with freshly whipped cream for a rich and creamy contrast to the tangy citrus filling.

How to Perfect Lemon Rolls

To achieve the best lemon rolls possible, consider these helpful tips. Proper technique ensures your rolls turn out fluffy and flavorful every time.

Knead the Dough Well – Ensure you knead the dough until it becomes elastic. This helps develop gluten, which provides structure to your rolls.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This allows for better mixing and more even baking.
Don’t Rush the Rise – Allow the dough ample time to rise. A longer rise develops flavor and results in lighter rolls.
Watch the Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures. This prevents underbaking or overbaking your lemon rolls.
Experiment with Zest – Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon zest according to your taste preference. More zest can enhance the citrus flavor significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls can be complemented by various side dishes that balance their sweetness and tartness. Consider these delicious options for a well-rounded meal.

Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the rolls.
Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy side that pairs well with the tangy flavors of lemon.
Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche filled with vegetables or cheese offers a nice contrast to sweet lemon rolls.
Green Salad – A light mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette provides a crisp texture that complements soft lemon rolls.
Vegan Smoothie Bowl – Blend up a smoothie with fruits and top it with seeds and nuts for added crunch alongside your lemon roll.
Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can enhance the citrus notes while providing savory flavors that balance sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Rolls, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision is vital in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your flour, sugar, and other ingredients are measured correctly.
Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the dough’s consistency. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother mixture.
Skipping the Resting Period: Allowing the dough to rest helps it become more elastic and easier to work with. Don’t rush this step; give it at least 10-20 minutes.
Overbaking the Rolls: Keep an eye on the oven! Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
Ignoring Rising Times: Proper rising is essential for fluffy rolls. Make sure you create a warm environment for the dough to rise effectively.
Forgetting the Icing: The icing adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip it; spread it generously over your cooled lemon rolls for that perfect finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Lemon Rolls in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Rolls

Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen Lemon Rolls can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Rolls

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place a roll on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, adding more time as needed.
Stovetop: Warm them in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Rolls:

Can I make Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Just refrigerate overnight and allow it to come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is excessively sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches a tacky but manageable consistency.

How do I know when my Lemon Rolls are done?

Look for a golden brown color on top and an internal temperature of around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.

Can I customize my Lemon Rolls?

Absolutely! You can add dried fruits or nuts, or even swap out lemon zest for orange zest to create variations of this recipe.

Are there any alternatives to buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with a mix of regular milk and lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Rolls are not just delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. Their bright citrus flavor makes them irresistible, and you can easily customize them with different fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade lemon goodness!