Heavenly Lemon Rolls Recipe: Sweet & Zesty Bliss

Zesty lemon rolls bring sunshine to your morning breakfast routine with their vibrant, tangy essence.

Sweet citrus aromas waft through kitchens, promising delightful culinary adventures.

Soft, pillowy dough enhances into a delectable treat that dances between brightness and comfort.

Carefully crafted layers promise a sensory experience that awakens taste buds and energizes the senses.

Delicate swirls of lemon-infused filling create a harmonious balance of sweetness and tartness.

Bakers passionate about creating memorable morning delights will find these rolls irresistibly tempting.

Warm, freshly baked rolls offer a comforting embrace that feels like a culinary hug.

Soft, Sweet, and Bright Lemon Rolls

• Burst with Zesty Flavor: Infused with bright lemon notes from cake mix, zest, and pudding mix, these rolls deliver a refreshing citrus punch that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Baking Adventure: Simplified recipe using cake mix and instant pudding means less complicated steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want delicious results without extensive preparation.
• Flexible Frosting Technique: Choose your frosting style- melt-in warm frosting for a gooey texture or cooled frosting for a distinct layer, giving you complete control over the final presentation and taste experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast or Dessert: Versatile lemon rolls work wonderfully as a sweet morning treat or a delightful after-dinner indulgence, guaranteed to bring smiles to family and friends' faces.

The Ingredients List Lemon Rolls

• Lemon Cake Mix: Provides sweet lemon flavor and helps structure the dough.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives strength and texture to the bread rolls.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast activity.

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising and creating soft texture.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast and helps develop dough consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and complements lemon flavor.

• White Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create caramelization.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense, fresh lemon flavor and aromatic notes.
• Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding Mix: Adds concentrated lemon taste and slight thickening.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Creates richness and helps with dough rolling and moisture.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, tangy base for frosting.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to frosting.
• Lemon Extract: Intensifies lemon flavor in the frosting.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency and adds smoothness.

Steps to Get Them Fluffy Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Activate Yeast

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbling.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

• Lemon cake mix
• Salt
• Flour
• Vanilla extract

Mix thoroughly until ingredients combine completely. Knead gently by hand to ensure even blending.

Step 3: First Dough Rise

Cover dough tightly with kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let rise in warm spot for one hour. After first rise, punch down dough and allow second rise for 30-60 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Dough Surface

Divide dough into two equal portions. Dust work surface with flour. Roll each portion into rectangular shape approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 5: Layer Buttery Goodness

Brush rolled dough generously with softened butter.

Step 6: Create Lemon Filling

• White sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding Mix

Stir until well integrated. Sprinkle mixture evenly across buttered dough.

Step 7: Roll And Slice

Starting from far edge, roll dough towards you creating long cylindrical shape. Slice into 12 equal portions. Place rolls in greased 13×9 inch baking pan.

Step 8: Second Dough Rise

Cover rolls. Allow to rise for approximately 30 minutes until nearly doubled in size.

Step 9: Bake Rolls

Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 15-25 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 10: Whip Creamy Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Lemon extract

Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar. Add milk until reaching desired consistency.

Step 11: Frost And Serve

Apply frosting while rolls are warm for melted effect or wait until cooled for thicker layer.

Step 12: Store Carefully

Refrigerate leftover lemon rolls in covered container.

Tips for Tender Dough Lemon Rolls

• Select Fresh Yeast: Choose active dry yeast that's recently purchased and not expired to ensure optimal dough rising and texture.
• Control Dough Temperature: Warm water should be around 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a perfect soft and fluffy roll base.
• Achieve Uniform Rolling: Use a ruler or measuring tape to roll the dough into an even rectangle, guaranteeing consistent roll size and even baking.
• Test Doneness Carefully: Check rolls by gently pressing the center- they should spring back slightly and have a light golden-brown color indicating perfect baking.
• Frost with Precision: Allow rolls to cool for 5-10 minutes before frosting to prevent melting, which helps create a beautiful, smooth cream cheese topping that sets nicely.

Store Them the Smart Way Lemon Rolls

• Refrigerate: Place rolls in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated rolls in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Thaw frozen rolls overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairing Ideas Lemon Rolls

• Pair with Zesty Citrus Beverage: Complement the lemon rolls with a refreshing lemonade or sparkling citrus spritzer to enhance the tangy lemon flavor.
• Match with Light Breakfast Sides: Serve alongside fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or a light fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the rolls.
• Create a Morning Tea Experience: Brew a delicate Earl Grey or chamomile tea that will beautifully highlight the subtle lemon notes in the rolls.
• Indulge with Creamy Accompaniment: Enjoy a scoop of lemon sorbet or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the dessert's citrusy profile.

Ways to Reimagine Them Lemon Rolls

• Sunny Citrus Swirl: Replace lemon cake mix with orange cake mix and add orange zest for a vibrant, tangy alternative that brings tropical brightness to the classic roll.
• Berry Burst Variation: Incorporate freeze-dried raspberry powder into the filling and swap lemon extract with raspberry extract for a fruity, pink-hued version that adds unexpected color and taste.
• Herbal Lemon Refresh: Blend finely chopped fresh thyme or lavender into the sugar mixture, creating an elegant and sophisticated herb-infused roll with subtle aromatic notes that complement the citrus flavor.
• Cream Cheese Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds between the filling layers and mix crushed graham crackers into the frosting for added texture and nutty complexity that elevates the traditional lemon roll recipe.

Lemon Rolls Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon rolls bring Mediterranean sunshine to your breakfast table. Pillowy dough swirled with tangy lemon filling and topped with creamy glaze promises a delightful morning treat you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Rolls:

Main Ingredients:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 2 packages rapid rise dry yeast
• 2 ½ cups (591 milliliters) very warm water

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar
• 1 package lemon flavor instant pudding mix
• Zest from 1 lemon

Frosting:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
• 3 ½ – 4 cups (402–460 grams) confectioners’ sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (½ stick/57 grams) butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons pure lemon extract
• 3–5 tablespoons (45–75 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast in warm water, ensuring it becomes frothy and alive. Incorporate lemon cake mix, salt, flour, and vanilla extract into the liquid, mixing thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
2. Knead the dough gently, then allow it to rest and expand in a covered container. After the initial rise, deflate the dough and permit a second proofing period.
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly dusted surface, stretch one section into a thin rectangular shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
4. Generously spread softened butter across the rolled dough’s surface. Blend white sugar, lemon zest, and instant pudding mix to create a fragrant filling.
5. Evenly distribute the sugar-zest mixture over the buttered dough. Roll the sheet tightly from the far edge toward yourself, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
6. Slice the rolled dough into 12 uniform segments. Transfer these pinwheels into a prepared baking pan coated with non-stick spray. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.
7. Allow the rolls to proof, expanding in volume. They should appear puffy and slightly increased in size.
8. Heat the oven to 350°F. Bake the rolls until they develop a golden-brown complexion, approximately 15-25 minutes.
9. While baking, whip cream cheese, butter, and lemon extract into a smooth mixture. Gradually integrate confectioners’ sugar, creating a luxurious frosting. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.
10. Once baked, top the warm rolls with frosting. For a more defined layer, allow rolls to cool before applying.
11. Refrigerate any remaining lemon rolls to maintain freshness and preserve their delicate texture.

Notes

• Soft, pillowy rolls bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Cake mix creates an incredible shortcut, transforming traditional roll-making into a quick and foolproof baking adventure.
• Rolling technique matters – use gentle pressure when forming the log to ensure even, perfectly shaped rolls every time.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and more consistent dough rising, leading to better texture.
• Cream cheese frosting can be adjusted for thickness by adding milk gradually, giving you complete control over the final glaze.
• Refrigeration helps preserve the rolls’ freshness and prevents cream cheese frosting from spoiling quickly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 317
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg