To bake your own batch of delicious lemon sweet rolls, you’ll need a collection of basic baking ingredients along with a few lemon-specific items to capture that signature zesty flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Dough Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your dough, providing structure.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
• 1 packet (or 2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast: The leavening agent that makes the dough rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm: Activates the yeast and adds moisture.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and tender texture.
• 2 large eggs: Adds richness and structure to the dough.
• Zest of 2 lemons: Infuses the dough with lemon flavor.

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar: The base of the filling, providing sweetness.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps distribute the lemon zest.
• Zest of 3 lemons: Provides a strong, zesty lemon flavor to the filling.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds moisture and enhances the lemon flavor.

Lemon Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates a sweet base for the glaze.
• 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice: Adjust for desired consistency, adds lemon flavor.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the glaze.

These ingredients come together to create a soft, fluffy dough, a sweet and tangy filling, and a glossy, zesty glaze that perfectly complements the rolls. Make sure your lemons are fresh to ensure the brightest flavor in your sweet rolls.

Make Ahead Lemon Sweet Rolls

Creating lemon sweet rolls involves a series of steps that transform simple ingredients into a delightful, zesty treat. Here’s how to make them:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lukewarm milk, melted butter, eggs, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, until the dough is soft and slightly sticky but manageable. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.

Prepare the Lemon Filling:

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, softened butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Rolls:

1. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Apply Filling: Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin around the edges.
3. Roll It Up: Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly. Pinch the seam to seal.
4. Cut into Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the roll into 12 equal pieces.
5. Second Rise: Place the cut rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.

Bake the Rolls:

1. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Make the Lemon Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed.
2. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are baked and still warm, drizzle them with the lemon glaze.

Serve:

Serve the lemon sweet rolls warm, ideally soon after baking to enjoy their soft texture and zesty flavor at its best.

Enjoy your homemade lemon sweet rolls, a perfect treat for any time of day!

FAQs

• Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast? Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast in the same quantity. Just remember to activate it in lukewarm milk for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• How can I make the rolls if I don’t have a stand mixer? You can mix the dough by hand! It will require a bit more effort, but simply use a sturdy spoon to combine the ingredients in the bowl until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand on a floured surface.
• Can I add nuts or other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a lovely texture to the filling. Just sprinkle them over the lemon sugar mixture before rolling up the dough.
• How long can I store the lemon sweet rolls? These rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Can I freeze lemon sweet rolls? Yes, you can freeze the rolls either baked or unbaked. For baked rolls, wait until they cool completely and do not glaze. Wrap them tightly and freeze. Thaw and then warm in the oven, adding glaze afterward. For unbaked rolls, freeze after shaping and the second rise; bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Lemon sweet rolls offer a delightful twist on traditional sweet bread, marrying the tanginess of fresh lemons with the soft, fluffy texture of yeast-leavened dough. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of homemade pastries, these rolls are sure to impress with their bright flavor and tender crumb. Remember, the key to perfect rolls lies not just in following the recipe, but in allowing yourself the patience to let the dough rise and develop its flavors fully. Serve these zesty treats warm, drizzled with the sweet, lemony glaze for a perfect breakfast, brunch, or snack that’s sure to brighten any day. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious results of your effort!