Description
Lemon rolls are soft, fluffy pastries filled with a vibrant lemon mixture that balances tartness and sweetness perfectly. Ideal for brunches, gatherings, or as a refreshing citrusy treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add softened butter, milk, eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough gently. Roll out to a 12×18-inch rectangle, 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of softened butter over the dough. Mix remaining sugar with lemon juice and zest, and spread evenly over the butter.
- Roll the dough from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal, then slice into 1-inch sections.
- Place rolls in a greased baking dish with some space between each. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
- Drizzle with icing made by combining powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Dairy-free substitutions include almond or oat milk and coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Eggs can be replaced with applesauce or flax eggs for an egg-free version.
- Add-ins like poppy seeds, lavender, or cardamom can offer exciting flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: lemon rolls, lemon dessert, citrus pastry, fluffy rolls, brunch recipe