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Lusciously Soft Lemon Rolls

Soft, yeasted lemon rolls with a glossy glaze that evoke sunshine and warmth, perfect for brunch or a cozy gathering.
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Prep Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 240
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 3.5 cups 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2.25 teaspoons 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 0.75 cup 3/4 cup warm milk (about 110F / 43C)
  • 0.25 cup 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg 1 large egg Use room temperature
  • 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling
  • 0.5 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.75 cup 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 pieces Zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the glaze
  • 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Stir in melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until silky and unified.
  3. Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead dough on floured surface for about 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Filling and Shaping
  1. Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
  2. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough.
  3. Mix sugar with lemon zest and sprinkle over butter.
  4. Drizzle lemon juice across the surface.
  5. Roll dough tightly from the long side into a log.
  6. Slice into 12 equal rolls and place in a greased baking dish.
  7. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until lightly golden and fluffy.
  3. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm rolls.

Notes

Serve warm with butter or ricotta. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped rolls.