Lemon Sweet Rolls: A Deliciously Tangy Treat for Your Breakfast Table

Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful treat that can brighten up any morning or special occasion. Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked rolls infused with zesty lemon and sweet glaze—it’s a breakfast dream come true! These rolls have a rich history, often found in bakeries across Europe, where citrus flavors are celebrated for their refreshing qualities. Over the years, Lemon Sweet Rolls have become a beloved favorite in many households, thanks to their perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, soft and fluffy texture, and the convenience of being made ahead of time. I love how they can be enjoyed warm from the oven or saved for later, making them a versatile addition to any brunch spread. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, warmed to about 110°F (43°C)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• For the Lemon Filling:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is crucial as it activates the yeast, ensuring your rolls will rise beautifully.
2. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add the melted butter and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
5. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Preparing the Lemon Filling

1. While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the lemon filling. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar, releasing the oils and enhancing the lemon flavor.
2. Add the softened butter, flour, and salt to the sugar mixture. Mix until it forms a smooth paste. Set aside until the dough is ready.

Rolling Out the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a size of approximately 16×12 inches.
2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This will help keep the filling from spilling out when you roll it up.

Forming the Rolls

1. Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure uniform rolls.
2. Once rolled, pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. You can also use dental floss for a clean cut—just slide it under the roll, cross the ends over the top, and pull to slice.
3. Place the cut rolls into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll for them to expand. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they puff up.

Cooking the Rolls

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. This ensures that the rolls will bake evenly.
2. Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
3. When done

Conclusion:

In summary, these Lemon Sweet Rolls are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to brighten up their breakfast or dessert table. The combination of zesty lemon and soft, fluffy dough creates a delightful treat that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, each bite is a burst of sunshine that will leave you craving more. For serving suggestions, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the top for an extra touch of sweetness, or pair them with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different fillings, such as adding blueberries or poppy seeds to the dough for a unique twist on this classic recipe. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give these Lemon Sweet Rolls a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? How did your family and friends react? Share your thoughts and any variations you tried in the comments below. Let’s spread the joy of these Lemon Sweet Rolls together!

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