Soft, fluffy sweet rolls filled with fresh lemon zest and finished with a tangy citrus glaze—perfect for brunch, springtime gatherings, or anytime you crave something sweet and sunny!

If you love the brightness of lemons and the comforting warmth of homemade baked goods, you’re going to fall in love with these Lemon Sweet Rolls. They’re the perfect twist on classic cinnamon rolls—light, fluffy dough swirled with lemon-sugar filling, baked until golden, and topped with a drizzle of sweet lemon glaze. Every bite is soft, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm milk (about 110°F)
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp milk (or more to thin as needed)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. (You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.)
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

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2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers—this releases the lemon oils and enhances the flavor.
2. Roll out the risen dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12×16-inch rectangle.
3. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the lemon-sugar mixture on top.

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3. Roll, Cut & Rise Again

1. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log.
2. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
3. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.

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4. Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the centers are baked through.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you make the glaze.

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5. Make the Glaze & Serve

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
2. Drizzle generously over the warm rolls.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy every citrusy bite!

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Tips for the Best Lemon Rolls

• Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant flavor—don’t skip this step!
• If you prefer a cream cheese glaze, you can swap out the lemon glaze with a cream cheese version for a richer topping.
• These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

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Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 lemon rolls

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Whether you’re hosting a spring brunch, treating Mom on Mother’s Day, or just indulging your sweet tooth, these Lemon Sweet Rolls will brighten any table. With a pillowy-soft texture and fresh citrusy zing, they’re bound to become a new favorite.

#lemonrolls #sweetrolls #brunchrecipes #homebaking #citrusdesserts