Name: Soft and Zesty Lemon Rolls
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast; ¼ cup warm water (110°F); ½ cup whole milk, warmed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup granulated sugar; Zest of 2 large lemons; 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1-2 tablespoon milk (as needed for consistency)

If you're ready for a bakery-worthy breakfast treat that'll brighten your day, you have to try these Lemon Rolls! Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dough is generously swirled with tangy fresh lemon zest and a touch of sweetness, then topped with a dreamy lemon cream cheese glaze.

Each bite bursts with sunny citrus, making these rolls irresistibly light and refreshing - think all the goodness of classic cinnamon rolls but with a twist that feels perfect for spring or summer. You'll love how the homemade dough stays pillowy and soft, while the filling packs a zesty punch.

They're surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing guests at brunch, celebrating Mother's Day, or turning an ordinary weekend into something special. This recipe was inspired by my family's love for citrus treats, and it's become a morning tradition in our house!

Zesty Lemon Rolls swirled with lemon filling and topped with glaze

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bursting with bright, refreshing lemon flavor in every bite
A sweet, tangy glaze takes these rolls over the top
Impressively soft, fluffy texture thanks to easy homemade dough
Perfect for brunch, spring parties, or as a special breakfast treat

Key Ingredients for Lemon Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Fresh Lemon Zest & Juice

The star of these rolls! Freshly grated lemon zest infuses both the filling and glaze with bold citrus aroma and flavor, while the juice brings added brightness. Choose firm lemons with smooth skin for the most zest and juice. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work for the glaze, but nothing beats freshly squeezed for that vibrant zing.

Active Dry Yeast

This ingredient creates the fluffy, pull-apart texture you want in every bite. Be sure your yeast is fresh-check the expiration date! For rapid results, you can substitute instant yeast and skip the proofing, but active dry yeast develops a classic, yeasty aroma that makes these rolls irresistible.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese gives the glaze its rich, tangy finish, elevating each roll. Use full-fat for the creamiest texture, but light cream cheese is a suitable swap for a lighter feel. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing-no lumps!

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour gives the dough structure and softness. Spoon and level the flour into your measuring cup for best results. Gluten-free all-purpose blends can be used if you need a gluten-free variation, although the texture may be a bit denser.

Unsalted Butter

Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb in both the dough and filling. Always opt for unsalted butter to control the salt content. If needed, salted butter works-just reduce added salt in the dough slightly.

Instructions for Lemon Rolls

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Proof the Yeast

Start by dissolving the yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water (about 110°F). Wait 5-10 minutes until it's foamy and bubbly-this means your yeast is active and ready to go!

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the proofed yeast with warm milk, melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 60-90 minutes.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

While the dough is rising, make the filling by mixing softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until creamy and spreadable. The mixture should be bright yellow and super fragrant!

Roll and Shape the Rolls

Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12x16-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, all the way to the edges. Starting from the long side, roll up tightly into a log. Slice into 8 even pieces.

Second Rise

Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13-inch pan, cover, and let rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffed.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top and cooked through. Don't overbake to keep them tender.

Make the Lemon Glaze

While rolls cool slightly, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and enough milk to make a thick but pourable glaze.

Glaze and Serve

Drizzle or spread the glaze generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy those zesty lemon swirls!

Recipe Variations

Blueberry Lemon Rolls

Sprinkle a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries over the lemon filling before rolling up the dough. The berries add a juicy burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the citrus!

Vegan Lemon Rolls

Swap the dairy milk for almond or oat milk, use a vegan butter alternative, and sub in vegan cream cheese for the glaze. Replace eggs with a flaxseed egg for a plant-based treat that still tastes indulgent.

Gluten-Free Lemon Rolls

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and make sure your yeast is gluten-free certified. The rolls may be slightly denser but still delicious!

Extra Tangy Glaze

Amp up the glaze by adding even more lemon zest or a splash of pure lemon extract for an extra-bold citrus punch.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Rolls are perfect alongside a fresh fruit salad, creamy Greek yogurt, or a frothy latte for a lazy weekend brunch. For a spring gathering, garnish with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve with hot tea or mimosas. They're lovely warm but still delicious at room temperature!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, microwave individual rolls for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole pan (covered with foil) at 300°F until heated through. Lemon Rolls freeze beautifully: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm and glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Rolls (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes! Prepare them up to the second rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let come to room temperature and finish rising in the morning before baking.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

A: While bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, fresh lemon juice and zest give the brightest, freshest flavor.

Q: Why did my Lemon Rolls turn out dense?

A: Dense rolls usually mean the dough didn't rise enough or too much flour was added. Make sure your yeast is fresh, the liquid is warm (not hot), and measure flour carefully.

Lemon Rolls bring a burst of sunshine to any table-soft, sweet, and tangy with every single bite. I hope you give this irresistible recipe a try! If you love it as much as we do, leave a comment or rating below and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!

Why You'll Love This Recipe