Light & Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls

These Light & Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or brunch. Soft, fluffy rolls filled with a bright lemon-sugar mixture and topped with a luscious lemon cream cheese frosting.

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2 50

Cuisine American

Servings 12 sweet rolls

Calories 379 kcal

Equipment

Small Saucepan
Large mixing bowl
Electric Mixer
Plastic wrap or kitchen towel
Rolling Pin
9x13-inch baking pan
Medium Bowl

Ingredients

Dough

1 cup warm Milk around 105°-115°F
3 Tablespoons Butter softened
1 Tablespoon Instant Dry Yeast
2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Large Egg
3 cups All-Purpose Flour plus more as needed

Filling

⅓ cup Salted Butter melted
¾ cup Granulated Sugar
2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Zest

Frosting

2 Tablespoons Salted Butter softened
3 ounces Cream Cheese softened
⅛ teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Fresh Lemon Zest
2 cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice plus more as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: Gently warm 1 cup milk and 3 tablespoons softened butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts and the mixture is comfortably warm to the touch (around 105°-115°F). Make sure it’s not too hot! Pour this into a large mixing bowl.
2. Combine Dough Ingredients: Stir in 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 large egg. Add about 1½ cups of all-purpose flour and beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining all-purpose flour, mixing until you have a soft dough that’s just a little sticky. Lightly flour a clean work surface and knead the dough for about 3 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Lightly spray your mixing bowl with a non-stick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a cozy, warm spot until it has visibly doubled in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
5. Make the Filling: While your dough is rising, prepare the delicious lemon filling. Melt ⅓ cup salted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Stir in ¾ cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest until everything is well combined. Set this aside.
6. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly mist your countertop with cooking spray or dust with a little flour, then use a rolling pin to stretch the dough into a rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
7. Spread and Roll: Evenly spread the prepared lemon-sugar filling over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough. Carefully roll the dough up from one long side into a tight log. Pinch the seam firmly together to seal it.
8. Slice the Rolls: To cut neat rolls, slide a piece of unflavored dental floss under the dough log, cross it over the top, and pull to slice. Or, use a sharp serrated knife. Cut into 12 equal rolls.
9. Second Rise: Arrange the cut rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap (you can lightly spray the underside of the plastic wrap with cooking spray to prevent sticking) or a clean tea towel. Let them rise again in a warm place until they’ve doubled in size, which typically takes 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake: Towards the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls on a lower oven rack for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
11. Cool: Let the rolls cool in the pan for about 25-30 minutes before frosting.
12. Whip the Frosting: For the luscious frosting, combine 2 tablespoons softened butter and 3 ounces softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until it's super smooth and creamy.
13. Finish the Frosting: Add ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice, half a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
14. Frost and Enjoy: Generously spread the creamy lemon cream cheese frosting over the slightly warm (or completely cooled) rolls. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Notes

These Light & Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls are best enjoyed fresh. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice in the frosting to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 379 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g