Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

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If you’re craving a treat that perfectly balances tangy brightness with sweet, tender goodness, this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe will become your new go-to comfort bake. Imagine soft, fluffy rolls infused with zesty lemon and a luscious cream cheese frosting that melts right into every bite — it’s like sunshine on a plate and the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a special brunch or an indulgent afternoon snack, these rolls deliver a delightful burst of flavor that’s both refreshing and irresistibly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these heavenly Lemon Sweet Rolls is easier than you might think, thanks to a handful of simple ingredients that each play a key role in bringing this recipe to life. From the lemon cake mix for a hint of citrus sweetness to the cream cheese frosting that adds silky richness, each component is essential for that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Lemon cake mix: The base that adds tangy lemon flavor and tender crumb to the dough.
• Rapid rise dry yeast: Helps the dough rise beautifully and stay light and fluffy.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast for a perfect rise.
• Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with sweet warmth.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• Flour: Provides structure and chewiness to the rolls.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moistness to the dough and filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemon filling inside the rolls.
• Fresh lemon zest: Brings vibrant citrus aroma and sharpness.
• Instant lemon pudding mix: Creates a creamy, tangy filling with a beautiful texture.
• Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the silky, tangy frosting topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that perfect smoothness.
• Lemon extract: Intensifies the lemony punch in the frosting.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps with the frosting’s consistency.

How to Make Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Activate the yeast

Start by mixing the rapid rise dry yeast with warm water in a small bowl until it dissolves completely. This step wakes up the yeast, setting the stage for a gorgeous rise in your dough later on.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients and form dough

In your standing mixer bowl, combine the lemon cake mix, kosher salt, and flour using the dough hook attachment. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture along with the vanilla extract, then mix well to form a smooth, elastic dough that will soon transform into soft rolls bursting with lemon flavor.

Step 3: First and second rise

Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 60 minutes. Punch it down gently to release air, cover again, and let it rise another hour until doubled—this double-rise process creates light, airy rolls that practically melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

Divide your dough in half. Lightly flour your counter and roll one half into a large rectangle approximately a quarter-inch thick. This thin layer is perfect for rolling in all those delicious lemony flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the lemon filling and spread

In a small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, and instant lemon pudding mix. Using a pastry brush, spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle half of the lemon filling mixture on top. This luscious combination will create that iconic sweet and zesty swirl inside each roll.

Step 6: Roll and slice the dough

Starting from the edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. For perfectly even rolls, carefully use unflavored dental floss to cut the log into 13 equal pieces—this little trick helps keep the rolls uniform and beautiful as they bake.

Step 7: Arrange and second rise

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and place the rolls inside, leaving just a bit of space to grow. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow them to rise and double again for 40 to 50 minutes. Repeat these steps for the other half of the dough in a separate pan.

Step 8: Bake the rolls

Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are just turning golden and irresistibly fragrant. This step locks in the soft texture with a hint of crispness on the edges.

Step 9: Make the cream cheese frosting

While your rolls come out warm, blend together the softened cream cheese, butter, lemon extract, 3 cups of powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons of whole milk in your mixer. Slowly add the remaining powdered sugar and milk to achieve a smooth, luscious frosting that is the perfect finishing touch.

Step 10: Frost and enjoy

After the rolls cool for about five minutes—just enough time to be warm, not hot—spread the frosting evenly across the top. Watch as it slowly melts over the rolls, creating a gooey lemon glaze that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes the simplest garnish makes the biggest impression. A light sprinkle of extra lemon zest or a few edible flowers can add a beautiful pop of color and an extra hint of freshness to your finished rolls, making them look as delightful as they taste.

Side Dishes

These lemon rolls pair wonderfully with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea, creating a lovely balance of sweet and light flavors that brighten your breakfast table or afternoon coffee break.

Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Arrange these rolls in a circular bundt pan to bake for a pull-apart effect or serve each roll with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of whipped cream. These little details can turn your homemade rolls into a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Lemon Sweet Rolls have cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and fresh. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best to enjoy these rolls sooner rather than later.

Freezing

If you want to make this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe well in advance, freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and let them rise again before baking.

Reheating

To bring your rolls back to life, simply warm them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps revive their fresh-baked texture and melts the frosting perfectly, just like when they first came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular yeast instead of rapid rise for the Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe?

Yes, you can use regular active dry yeast, but be sure to allow more time for the dough to rise—usually about double the rising time required for rapid rise yeast.

Is it okay to substitute the lemon cake mix with a vanilla or plain cake mix?

While possible, using vanilla or plain cake mix will result in less lemon flavor. For the best citrus punch, stick to lemon cake mix or add extra lemon zest and extract to compensate.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

You can try substituting dairy butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, but it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Opt for a vegan cream cheese frosting to keep that creamy finish.

How can I prevent the rolls from becoming too dense?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and water temperature is just right (warm, not hot). Also, don’t skip the two rises—they are crucial for light, fluffy rolls.

Can the frosting be made ahead and stored?

Absolutely! The cream cheese frosting can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature and whisk lightly before spreading.

Final Thoughts

I promise once you try this Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe, you’ll be smitten with the perfect harmony of citrus zing and sweet, creamy goodness. These rolls not only brighten any morning but also bring a cozy touch to the table, making every bite feel like a warm hug. So go ahead, treat yourself to the simple joy of baking these delightful rolls—you’ll be so glad you did!

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