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Soft Lemon Rolls

Soft Lemon Rolls

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12 rolls
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • ½ cup warm milk 110°F/45°C
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 –3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
  • Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, or until it turns foamy.
  • Stir in the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

  • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky.
  • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling:

  • While the dough is rising, mix together softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Roll and Fill the Dough:

  • Once risen, roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 12x18-inch rectangle.
  • Spread the lemon filling evenly over the surface.

Shape the Rolls:

  • Roll the dough tightly into a log starting from the long side.
  • Slice the log into 12 equal rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Second Rise:

  • Cover the baking dish with a towel and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Bake the Rolls:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Prepare the Glaze:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.

Glaze and Serve:

  • Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For Extra Zest: Add an extra 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an extra citrus punch.
  • Butter Substitutes: Swap butter with margarine for a dairy-free version or coconut oil for a tropical twist.
  • Sticky Dough Fix: If the dough is too sticky while kneading, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it’s manageable but still soft.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze Option: Replace the lemon glaze with a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.
  • Faster Proofing: Place the dough in an oven with the light on for a warm and quick rise.