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Lemon Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing ~ a lightly sweet, soft yeast roll with a lemon infused dough, and a sweet lemon filling, topped with a lemony cream cheese icing. Weekend baking at it’s best!
I tend to be very mono-chromatic, especially in my clothing choices and home decor. No bold prints or frilly layers with stripes and dots. Lately I seem to be stuck on lemon yellow – but only in the kitchen! This is what happens when you buy too many lemons when all you needed was a few. Our local grocery store sells the pretty lemons in a package big enough to keep you busy for the whole week! Bulk citrus is always the better deal, so when you’ve got lemons … you make lemon everything!
I was thinking how nice it would be if I could share the aroma of these rolls with you, while they’re baking in the oven. Sort of like Smell-O-Vision! No seriously – it’s a real thing! Back in the day, they experimented with releasing odors into movie theaters so the viewers could smell what was happening. I just thought they piped in the smell of fresh made popcorn myself! I doubt we’ll be able to smell blog-food in our lifetime – but who knows.
I adore baking, and especially love working with yeast. It’s absolutely magical!
I’ve had these Lemon Sweet Rolls on my mind for a long time and finally pulled it together. What a treat! You may be surprised to know they’re not overly sweet. You could increase the sugar in the filling if you like, or add more sugar to the icing. Overall, they’re mildly sweet and perfect with a cup of tea.
The recipe makes 12 big fat rolls so be sure to have a few friends handy to help eat them up! The rolls can be baked in two 9-inch round or square pans, or a 13×9-inch pan as I did here.
Spread icing on the slightly warm rolls and you’ll be in lemon heaven! The fork in the picture is just for show. I love to unroll the spiral a little at a time, devouring it as I go. I’m kicking myself about now for giving away all the extras.
Don’t forget to PIN to your favorite baking board!
Lemon Sweet Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
Ingredients
For the sweet rolls:
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Lemon peel from 1 lemon
- 1/4 ounce package Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 95 degrees F on an instant read thermometer)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- vegetable oil (for oiling the clean bowl)
For the lemon filling:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- juice of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
For the lemon cream cheese icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- juice of 1 lemon (more or less as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions
For the sweet rolls:
- Remove the peel from 1 lemon using a vegetable peeler (try not to get the bitter white pith under the peel.) Place the lemon peel and milk in a small saucepan. Heat the milk until it's a little steamy, but do not boil! Set aside to steep.
- In a small bowl dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Set aside for 15 minutes.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, salt and the egg. Strain the milk into the bowl removing and discarding the lemon peel. Blend the mixture by hand using a spoon or spatula until combined. Add two cups of the flour and turn the mixer on low. Blend until all the flour is incorporated. Add the yeast/water mixture and continue mixing until incorporated. Add 1 more cup of flour and continue to mix until blended. Finally, add the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to make a soft dough that's just a little sticky. Turn the mixer on medium-low and knead for 5 minutes or until you have a smooth dough. Add a tablespoon of flour if needed to help clean the sides of the bowl. Don't add too much flour or the rolls will be dry.
- Place the dough in a clean, well oiled bowl and turn to coat the dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and move to a warm location free from drafts. (I use my microwave as a proofing oven with the task light on for warmth.) Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Combine 1/3 cup of softened butter, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and the juice and zest from 1 lemon. Mix until well blended. Set aside
- Grease or butter two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans or one 13x9-inch baking pan. Set aside.
- When the dough has doubled in size gently punch it down and turn out onto a clean, lightly floured work surface. Roll the dough into a 15 by 10-inch rectangle. Spread the filling all over the dough leaving a 1/2-inch border on the 15-inch side. Roll the dough up beginning on the 15-inch side with filling. Roll the dough somewhat tight, tucking and rolling as you go. Lightly dampen the 1/2-inch edge with water using your finger. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut the roll in half, then each half in half again. Cut each one-forth section into 3 equal size rolls. Place the rolls cut side up in the prepared pan(s).
- Move the rolls to a warm location free from drafts and allow them to rise for 45 to 60 minutes or until doubled in size and puffy. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until nicely browned.
- Mix the icing ingredients together and spread on warm rolls. Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftover rolls.
Recipe Notes
Here are a few more sweet roll recipes you might like!
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Cider Glaze
- Cranberry Swirl Buns
- Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Rolls ~ from Seasons & Suppers
- Blueberry Sweet Rolls with Lemon Glaze ~ from Sally’s Baking Addiction
Check out a few of our favorite kitchen tools used for these sweet rolls: (Each photo is clickable for more information)
The small print: If you decide to purchase something at Amazon after following my affiliate link, I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Lorena says
These look delicious! I’m actually thinking of substituting lemon with orange for one round. I was wondering if you have approximate measurements for the things that call for “of one lemon”?
Thanks! Can’t wait to try these out.
Tricia Buice says
Hi Lorena – orange will be a delicious substitute for the lemon in this recipe. I would use the peel, juice and zest of 1/2 an orange since it is about twice as big as a lemon. Hope this works out for you and thanks so much for trying one of our recipes!
Dom says
Right. These are bookmarked. I’m baking them soon! Divine!!
Tricia Buice says
Isn’t weekend baking the best!? Hope you enjoy them as much as we did 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I love how tender and sweet these are! My mouth is literally watering! I’ll take the tray, please!
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Annie!
Susan says
I do think I can smell them 🙂 I know I would absolutely love them! Lemon is only second to chocolate in my book – love them both 🙂
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Really like that third picture. But then I’m a lemon freak, and like to look at them. And of course eat them! Too many lemons? Impossible! This is terrific — just the thing for me. Thanks!
Tricia Buice says
I agree John! Lemon is amazing in everything 🙂
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
I buy big bags of lemons too as I use them everyday in my morning tea. One of your rolls would go well with my tea first thing in the morning.
Tricia Buice says
I need to start putting lemon in my tea – for some reason I forget about it. Thanks for the reminder Karen!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
Yeast is magical — I feel the same with sour dough. Watching flour made into a loaf of bread is a wonder. The touch of lemon will be such a compliment. I’m anxious to make this recipe.
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Marisa! Have a great week 🙂
cheri says
What delicious looking rolls, you can tell they are light and soft just by the pics, another masterpiece Tricia, the icing sounds amazing.
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Cheri!
tanna says
Oh, girl. You’re killin’ me with this one!! I LOVE yeast… and lemon. Trying so hard to lose these 25 pounds that crept on over the last two years. If there was “smellovision” for this I’d for sure be a lost cause. LOL!! I’ve pinned it for future enjoyment. 😉 blessings and hugs ~ tanna
Tricia Buice says
Me too Tanna – the weight just creeps up over the years. Heading upstairs to get on the treadmill now!
Robyn Gleason says
I have such cravings for lemon and lime right now so this is perfect and love that it’s not too sweet. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but I love rolls so could you have this waiting when I drive to your house? lol.
Maybe after I learn video from your hubby, you could teach me to bake, Tricia! haha!
Sharing your beautiful creation!
Tricia Buice says
I’m ready Robyn – come on down! Thank you very much for sharing.
Monica says
Totally coveting these right now! These are perfect – and just the best kind of hands-on food! I’ve been thinking about experimenting with another recipe/making a bigger batch of rolls and this is some motivation! I would seriously be happy if I could make mine half as good. What a crazy delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tricia Buice says
I need to try your recipe sometime Monica – your rolls always look amazing!
2 Sisters Recipes says
TRicia -These lemon rolls look heavenly! I remember that about releasing orders in movie theaters, so funny! Love the cream cheese icing on top – wow- making these the best! Love you girlfriend. xo
Tricia Buice says
Thanks so much Anna!
Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef says
oops, that was a Freudian slip , I mean battering.
Tricia Buice says
Haha – so funny Gerlinde! Butter, batter, sounds like baking to me!
Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef says
Your rolls look so good, I wish I could have some. The wind and rain are buttering my house and I need something sweet like your rolls.
Tricia Buice says
Hi Gerlinde – I love your Freudian slip – it was perfectly placed! Sorry about the drab, damp weather. Hope the sun comes back soon.
Monique says
Well those look and sound particularly delicious!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Monique!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
This is pretty much my DREAM breakfast ( and lunch, and dinner!) I’ve never attempted sweet rolls from scratch, I always chicken out and use refrigerated dough and they’re never as good. I’m so inspired to make these, Tricia, the lemon sounds amazing.
Tricia Buice says
Yeah! I hope you give them a try Sue – they are really easy, just follow the steps and you’re there. Thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
These are perfect in every way Tricia! I love how moist they look and, oh my goodness, I can only imagine that wonderful aroma!
Tricia Buice says
Tender yeast rolls are hard to beat Chris! Hope you’re going well and thanks for stopping by.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
My mouth is watering terribly, Tricia. These sweet rolls have such a tender crumb, almost like cake.
Tricia Buice says
They are super soft like a yeast roll Angie – thank you so much!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I’m loving all your lemon baking, so keep it coming! These are just perfect. I’m a roll un-roller, too 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Haha – thanks Jennifer! I know you love to bake too and all your creations look fantastic. Hope you had a nice weekend!