Delicious Lemon Rolls- Easy Sweet Citrus Bake

Brighten your day with these incredibly delicious Lemon Rolls! Soft, sweet, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor, these rolls are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert. Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked citrus goodness!

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus a pinch
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for filling)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water (optional, for glaze)

Instructions

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. **Prepare the Dough:** Add ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well. Gradually add 3 ½ cups of flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
3. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is too sticky, until smooth and elastic. (Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer for 5 minutes).
4. **First Rise:** Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Make the Filling:** While the dough rises, prepare the lemon filling. In a small bowl, cream together softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until light and fluffy.
6. **Shape the Rolls:** Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Evenly spread the lemon filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
7. **Roll and Slice:** Tightly roll the dough up from one of the long edges. Pinch the seam closed to seal. Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut the roll into 12 equal slices (about 1.5 inches thick).
8. **Second Rise:** Arrange the rolls in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover again with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
9. **Bake:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. **Prepare the Glaze:** While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Add milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
11. **Glaze and Serve:** Drizzle the warm lemon glaze generously over the cooled rolls. Serve immediately and enjoy!