Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence—lusciously soft lemon rolls! Picture this: you wake up on a sunny morning, the air filled with the sweet scent of citrus, and you’re greeted by these fluffy, pillow-like rolls just waiting to be devoured. I remember the first time I made them; the joy on my family’s faces as they took that first bite was priceless! The tangy lemon flavor dances on your taste buds, and the soft texture feels like a warm hug. Trust me, these rolls are perfect for brunch, special occasions, or even just because you deserve a treat!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (let it cool slightly after melting)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature is best!)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze, also freshly squeezed)
How to Prepare Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
First things first, let’s get that yeast going! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of warm milk (make sure it’s around 110°F or 43°C—just warm to the touch, not hot!) and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for those little bubbles to form—this means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now that your yeast is activated, it’s time to add some flavor! Into the yeast mixture, stir in 1/4 cup of melted butter (make sure it’s cooled just a bit), 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest, and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and creamy. You’re already going to smell that delightful lemony goodness!
Step 3: Form the Dough
Next up, we’re bringing in the flour! Gradually mix in 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt until a dough starts to form. It’ll be a bit sticky at first, but don’t worry! Transfer it to a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic—just like a soft pillow! If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
Step 4: First Rise
Once your dough is ready, place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This is the moment of magic! Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. You’ll want to check on it occasionally and maybe even give it a little pep talk. 😊
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently to release some air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Cut it into squares (or rectangles) and then roll each piece into a cute little roll. Place them snugly in a greased baking pan, making sure they’re close but not squished together!
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the rolls again with that cozy kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. They’ll puff up even more, and you’ll be able to see the promise of soft, fluffy goodness!
Step 7: Baking the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the rolls are rising. Once they’re puffy, pop them in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden-brown color—trust me, the smell will be irresistible!
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While those rolls are baking, let’s whip up the glaze! In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice until it’s smooth. Once the rolls are done and slightly cooled, drizzle that sweet lemon glaze over the top, and watch it soak in. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s chat about some pro tips to ensure your lusciously soft lemon rolls turn out absolutely perfect! First, when kneading the dough, don’t rush it—take your time to really work it until it’s smooth and elastic. You’ll know you’ve nailed it when the dough springs back when poked! For the rising stages, find a warm, cozy spot—like near a sunny window or in a turned-off oven with the light on. This helps the dough rise beautifully! And remember, patience is key; let it double in size completely for that fluffy texture.
Now, when it comes to the glaze, drizzle it over the rolls while they’re still warm but not too hot. This way, it seeps into every nook and cranny, making each bite even more divine. Trust me, following these tips will elevate your lemon rolls to heavenly status!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each of these lusciously soft lemon rolls is approximately 250 calories. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values you can expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But hey, it’s all about enjoying these delightful rolls in moderation, right?
FAQ Section
Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out. The next day, take it out, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then continue with shaping and baking as usual. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh lusciously soft lemon rolls without the morning rush!
How should I store leftover lemon rolls?
To keep your leftover rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you think they won’t be eaten that quickly, pop them in the fridge! Just remember to let them come back to room temperature or warm them slightly before enjoying. Trust me, they’re just as delicious reheated!
Can I freeze these rolls?
You bet! Freezing lusciously soft lemon rolls is super easy. After they’ve cooled completely, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just take out the desired number of rolls and let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for any skill level!
- Fluffy, soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Deliciously tangy lemon flavor that brightens your day.
- Perfect for brunch, picnics, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
- Great for sharing—everyone will want to snag a roll!
- Versatile enough to enjoy with coffee or tea, or on their own.
- They make your kitchen smell like a sunny citrus paradise!
- Can be made ahead of time or frozen for later enjoyment.
- Customizable with extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for added texture.
- Guaranteed to impress family and friends with minimal effort!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta!
Print
Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls: 7 Steps to Citrus Bliss
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lusciously soft lemon rolls are fluffy, sweet, and tangy treats perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the yeast mixture.
- Mix in flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough and cut into rolls.
- Place rolls in a greased baking pan and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice for the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm rolls before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- These rolls can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: lusciously soft lemon rolls
