Easy Lemon Rolls- Zesty Sweet Breakfast Treat

Wake up your taste buds with these bright and easy Lemon Rolls! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and a sweet glaze, they’re the perfect homemade treat to brighten any morning. Forget the bakery; these soft, citrusy rolls are surprisingly simple to make and utterly delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ½ cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for dough)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for dough)
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 ½ to 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from 2-3 lemons, for filling)
• 1 tablespoon 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 consistency)

Instructions

1. **Activate Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. **Prepare Dough:** Add ¼ cup sugar, melted butter, egg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk well. Gradually add 2 ½ cups of flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add up to ½ cup more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. **Knead:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. **First Rise:** Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm place for 1-1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
5. **Make Filling:** While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until light and fluffy.
6. **Assemble Rolls:** Once dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12×18 inches.
7. **Spread Filling:** Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
8. **Roll and Slice:** Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to the other. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 even slices.
9. **Second Rise:** Arrange the slices in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover and let rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
10. **Preheat and Bake:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
11. **Make Glaze:** While rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add milk or water, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
12. **Glaze and Serve:** Once rolls are out of the oven, let them cool for 5-10 minutes, then generously drizzle with the lemon glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!