Sweet lemon cinnamon rolls, a tantalizing twist on a classic breakfast treat, are about to become your new favorite weekend indulgence. Picture this: a warm, soft roll bursting with the bright, sunny flavors of lemon, swirled with fragrant cinnamon, and topped with a luscious, tangy glaze. My grandmother used to make lemon rolls every Easter, and these sweet lemon cinnamon rolls bring back those cherished memories with every bite. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every delectable swirl!
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Why You Will Love This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
These aren’t your average cinnamon rolls. The addition of lemon zest and juice transforms them into a zesty, citrusy delight that’s both comforting and refreshing. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake is simply irresistible. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special treat, these lemon breakfast rolls will impress your family and friends. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!
These sweet lemon cinnamon rolls are incredibly soft, fluffy, and flavorful. The combination of sweet and tangy is simply divine. Plus, the recipe is adaptable. Looking to try a vegan option? Check out these Vegan Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls for a similar treat!
Ingredients Needed for This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk (105 to 115 degrees F)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- Zest of 2 lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
- 1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- 2. In a separate bowl, whisk together warm milk, melted butter, and egg.
- 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- 4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- 5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 6. While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
- 7. Once the dough has doubled, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about 12×18 inches.
- 8. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
- 9. Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log.
- 10. Cut the log into 12 equal slices.
- 11. Place the slices in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 12. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- 13. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- 14. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 15. While the rolls are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 16. Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.
How to Serve This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
These sweet lemon cinnamon rolls are best served warm, fresh from the oven. The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, but you can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest for extra flavor and visual appeal. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful breakfast or brunch. These would also make a wonderful addition to a holiday spread, especially around Easter. For another lemon treat option, try our Strawberry Lemon Quick Bread too.
How to Store This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
Refrigeration: Store leftover sweet lemon cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked rolls. Prepare the rolls up to the point of baking, then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then let rise for another 30 minutes before baking as directed. You can also freeze fully baked rolls. Cool completely before wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag.
Reheating: To reheat refrigerated rolls, microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes. For frozen rolls, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed.
Tips to Make This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
- Don’t overheat the milk: Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will dry out the rolls. Bake until golden brown and just set.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of cardamom to the dough or filling.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight.
Helpful Notes for This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
- Yeast: Active dry yeast needs to be proofed. If you’re unsure if your yeast is still good, dissolve it in a little warm water with a pinch of sugar. If it foams up after 5 to 10 minutes, it’s good to use.
- Lemon Zest: Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons. Avoid grating the white pith, which can be bitter.
- Butter: Make sure the butter for the filling is softened, not melted. This will make it easier to spread.
Variation of This sweet lemon cinnamon rolls Recipe
- Orange Cinnamon Rolls: Substitute orange zest and juice for the lemon.
- Blueberry Lemon Cinnamon Rolls: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the filling.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the lemon glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
What makes sweet lemon cinnamon rolls different?
Sweet lemon cinnamon rolls offer a bright and tangy twist on the traditional cinnamon roll, incorporating lemon zest and juice for a refreshing flavor profile that complements the warm cinnamon spice.
How do you keep cinnamon rolls from drying out?
To prevent dry cinnamon rolls, ensure proper proofing and avoid overbaking. Baking them close together helps retain moisture, and brushing with melted butter after baking can keep them soft and delicious.
Can you freeze sweet lemon cinnamon rolls?
Yes, sweet lemon cinnamon rolls freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
What is the best type of glaze for lemon rolls?
A simple glaze made with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of milk or cream is ideal for lemon rolls. It provides a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the lemon flavor.
Conclusion
These sweet lemon cinnamon rolls are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their bright, citrusy flavor and soft, fluffy texture will have everyone coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your favorite! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Leave a comment below if you have any questions! These lemon breakfast rolls will brighten any morning.