Lemon Rolls Recipe

If sunshine could be baked into a sweet, comforting treat, it would absolutely taste like Lemon Rolls. Imagine the pillowy softness of fresh bread, a tangy swirl of lemon curd and sugar, and a creamy, sweet-tart yogurt glaze — every bite is pure joy! These Lemon Rolls are the perfect way to brighten up any morning or bring a breezy, uplifting twist to afternoon tea. Whether you’re a lemon lover or just craving something different, this recipe delivers a bakery-quality delight that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No complicated or hard-to-find items here! You’ll mostly need pantry staples, plus just a handful of fresh flavors to make these Lemon Rolls irresistible. Each ingredient adds its own touch, ensuring fluffy, flavorful, and zesty perfection.

• Flour (700 g, plain, all-purpose): The backbone of the rolls, this gives structure and a light airy crumb.
• Yeast (14 g, quick, dry): Essential for that magical rise, leading to soft, cloud-like rolls.
• Sugar (110 g + 100 g, white, granulated): Adds sweetness to both the dough and the lemony filling for that perfect balance.
• Soy Milk (480 g): Keeps the dough tender and plant-based, but regular milk works too if you prefer.
• Butter (115 g, plus extra for greasing): Adds richness, moisture, and tons of flavor throughout.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Just a touch sharpens all the other flavors and enhances the sweetness.
• Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and fresh, zesty notes in every bite.
• Plain Yoghurt (200 g): Used for the frosting, it lends a tangy creaminess that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• Icing Sugar (30 g): Blends into the yogurt for a lusciously sweet but not too heavy frosting.
• Lemon Curd (5 tbsp): The star of the show, bringing real, bold citrus flavor inside the rolls.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Prep the Yeast

First things first, you want to make sure your yeast is going to do its job and give your Lemon Rolls that signature rise. Warm your soy milk until just lukewarm (not hot!), pour it into a big mixing bowl, then add your first round of sugar and all the yeast. A quick whisk, a five-minute rest, and the mixture should look a little foamy — that’s how you know it’s ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Once your yeast is bubbling, stir in the melted butter, 600g of flour, and salt. The dough will seem messy and a bit shaggy at this stage — don’t worry! Move it into a stand mixer with a dough attachment, and let it knead on low-medium. Sprinkle in the final 100g of flour as it mixes. Before long, you’ll see a silky dough ball forming that pulls away from the sides (add a touch more flour if it’s very sticky). Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm spot — let the anticipation build!

Step 3: Prepare Your Filling

While your dough is rising, create lemon sugar by massaging lemon zest into 100g of sugar with your fingers. You’ll release all those bright oils and the scent is pure heaven. Get out your lemon curd (store-bought is fine, or homemade if you have a favorite recipe) and set it aside. This step is a mood-booster in itself!

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has doubled in size, generously flour a clean surface. Plop out the dough, dust it with more flour, and then roll it into a rectangle about 1–2cm thick. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect — think of this step as setting the stage for that gorgeous lemon swirl.

Step 5: Fill and Roll Up

Spread the lemon curd evenly over the dough’s surface, then sprinkle your bright, scented lemon sugar across the top. Now for the fun part: Roll it up gently from the long end, creating a long, lemony log. If your dough is a bit sticky, use a pastry scraper to help lift as you go.

Step 6: Slice and Bake

Take a sharp knife, cheese wire, or even dental floss, and slice your log into 12 even pieces. Arrange them in a well-greased baking tray, leaving a little space between them so they have room to puff up in the oven. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for around 20 minutes, until just golden and deliciously fragrant.

Step 7: Make and Add Frosting

While those Lemon Rolls are baking, whip together the plain yogurt and icing sugar to make your simple, creamy glaze. As soon as the rolls come out (let them cool slightly so the glaze doesn’t melt away completely), spoon or drizzle the frosting over each roll. The contrast of warm dough and cool, tangy frosting is irresistible!

Step 8: Enjoy!

Your kitchen will smell incredible and your Lemon Rolls will look like something straight out of a bakery window. All that’s left is to dive in! For the best, gooey texture in the days that follow, give leftover rolls a quick zap in the microwave before serving — pure bliss.

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with Lemon Rolls. Try a sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top of the glaze for a burst of color and aroma, or add a few fresh berries for a pop of freshness. If you really want to impress, add a twirl of candied lemon peel or a dusting of powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

While Lemon Rolls are absolutely delightful on their own, they’re especially dreamy alongside a creamy cappuccino, hot tea, or a cold glass of oat milk. You could also pair them with fresh fruit salad, or a light, herby omelet for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch spread that wow your guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange your Lemon Rolls on a vintage cake stand or lay them out in a spiral pattern on a rustic wooden board. You can also serve them in decorative muffin papers for easy individual portions at a party. If you’re giving them as a gift, nestle them in a pretty box lined with parchment and tie with a ribbon — instant homemade charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Rolls taste fantastic fresh, but they keep well for a couple of days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. If you want them to last a little longer (or if your home is especially warm), pop the container in the fridge to keep the rolls moist and the frosting just right.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Lemon Rolls for future cravings! Let them cool completely, then wrap each roll individually in cling film or foil to lock in moisture. Place them all in a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked softness, reheat Lemon Rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or pop them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 8-10 minutes if you prefer. If frozen, thaw first, then warm as desired. A little heat also refreshes the zingy glaze and wakes the lemony aroma right back up.

FAQs

Can I use dairy milk and butter instead of soy?

Absolutely, traditional dairy milk and butter work perfectly in this recipe if you don’t need it to be plant-based. Just substitute the same quantities for both, and your Lemon Rolls will be just as soft and delicious.

Do I need to make homemade lemon curd?

Nope! Store-bought lemon curd is a great time-saver and works beautifully. If you have the time or enjoy making citrus curd from scratch, you can definitely use your own, but there’s no shame in taking the shortcut.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a fine microplane or zester and only grate the yellow outer layer — the white pith underneath is bitter. Always zest before juicing, since a soft, squishy lemon is tough to zest well!

Why is my dough too sticky or dry?

If your dough is sticking too much, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s workable. If it seems too dry or crumbly, add a splash of soy milk. Weather and flour type can affect dough, so trust your instincts and adjust as needed.

Can I prepare Lemon Rolls the night before and bake in the morning?

Definitely! After you’ve shaped and cut the rolls, arrange them in the baking tray, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring them to room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as usual for fresh Lemon Rolls with zero morning effort.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that will genuinely brighten your day, Lemon Rolls are the answer. Each swirl brings a blend of softness, citrus, and sweet-tangy joy that’s sure to bring smiles. Give this recipe a try — your kitchen, and everyone who tastes these rolls, will thank you!

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