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Easy Lemon Sweet Rolls

These Easy Lemon Sweet Rolls bring sunshine to any morning with their tender, pillowy texture and bright citrus glaze. Perfect for weekend family breakfasts or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg
For the lemon filling
  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
For the glaze
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

Method
 

  1. Mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Warm the milk until just comfortable to touch. Combine warm milk, melted butter, and egg, then pour into dry ingredients. Knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic.
  2. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. While dough rises, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice for the filling.
  4. Roll risen dough into a 12x18 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the lemon filling evenly, leaving a small border. Roll tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 pieces using dental floss or a sharp knife.
  5. Arrange rolls in a greased 9x13 pan, cover, and rise 30 minutes until puffy. Bake at 350°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls.

Notes

Rise time is 1 hour 30 minutes total. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months. Can make ahead by preparing through rolling and slicing, then refrigerate overnight. Don't rush rising process and avoid overheating milk which kills yeast.