Zingy Lemon Curd Spiral Rolls Recipe for Bright Mornings

Soft, pillowy dough swirled with tangy lemon curd creates a breakfast sensation that dances on your taste buds.

These sweet rolls burst with bright citrus flavor and delicate sweetness.

Layers of buttery pastry curl around a zesty lemon curd filling that melts in your mouth.

Each roll promises a delightful balance between tart and sweet notes that wake up your morning.

The golden-brown edges promise a crisp exterior giving way to a tender, luscious center.

Drizzled with a light glaze, these rolls offer a sophisticated twist on classic breakfast pastries.

You’ll fall in love with every fragrant, sunshine-filled bite of this irresistible morning treat.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 13

Ingredients in Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls

• Bread Flour: Provides sturdy structure for soft, pillowy rolls with excellent rise.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical rising agent that transforms dough into fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to dough.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Eggs: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Butter: Creates tender crumb and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and contributes to soft texture.
• Water: Helps activate yeast and hydrate ingredients.

• Lemon Curd: Tangy, bright spread that creates signature zesty core.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant flavor notes.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, smooth finishing layer.
• Lemon Flavoring: Amplifies citrus punch in final presentation.
• Milk: Thins glaze to perfect drizzling consistency.

Equipment for Baking Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls

• Stand Mixer: Essential for kneading dough smoothly and efficiently.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements ensure perfect dough and filling consistency.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for proofing and rising the dough.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out dough into a thin, even rectangle.
• 13: Provides the perfect space for arranging and baking sweet rolls.
• Whisk: Great for mixing glaze ingredients until smooth and lump-free.
• Sharp Knife: Used to slice rolls into even, uniform pieces.
• Kitchen Thermometer: Crucial for checking water and milk temperature for yeast activation.
• Pastry Brush (optional): Helpful for greasing pan and spreading oil on dough.

How to Make Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls

• Liquid Activation

Gently warm water and milk to create the perfect cozy environment for yeast to bloom and come alive.

• Dough Creation

Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer, kneading until the dough becomes silky smooth and elastic, developing incredible texture.

• Rising Wonderland

Let the dough rest and expand in a peaceful, oiled sanctuary, growing into a puffy cloud of potential.

• Flavor Canvas

Roll out the dough into a generous rectangle, painting it with tangy lemon curd, leaving a small border for delicious edges.

• Rolling Magic

Carefully transform the rectangle into a beautiful spiral, slicing into soft, pillowy rolls that promise pure comfort.

• Second Rise

Nestle the rolls in a prepared pan, allowing them to puff up and become irresistibly tender.

• Baking Transformation

Slide the pan into a warm oven, watching the rolls turn golden and fill the kitchen with an incredible citrusy aroma.

• Finishing Touch

Drizzle a bright, zesty glaze over the warm rolls, creating a glistening crown that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Tips for Sweet Rolls with Lemon Curd

• Swap traditional lemon curd with homemade raspberry or passion fruit curd for a unique twist on flavor profiles.
• Prepare rolls through slicing stage, then refrigerate overnight and bake fresh in the morning for convenient breakfast preparation.
• Ensure water and milk temperature stays precise to activate yeast perfectly, creating soft and pillowy sweet roll texture.
• Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, gently reheating in microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to restore freshness.
• Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or lemon zest on top of glaze for added crunch and aromatic citrus notes that complement the lemon curd's tangy profile.

Serve Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls for Brunch

• Brunch Centerpiece Elegance: Arrange these golden lemon curd sweet rolls on a beautiful ceramic platter, creating a stunning focal point for your weekend brunch that'll have guests swooning.
• Citrus Morning Companion: Pair these rolls with a light citrus-infused iced tea or freshly squeezed orange juice to complement the bright lemon flavors and enhance the overall breakfast experience.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Serve these warm, glazed rolls on delicate china with a side of clotted cream or mascarpone for an indulgent mid-afternoon treat that elevates your tea time to a luxurious moment.
• Seasonal Garnish Magic: Top the rolls with fresh lemon zest, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a touch of visual appeal and extra burst of citrusy freshness.

How to Store Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls

• Refrigerator Storage Savvy: Keep finished lemon curd sweet rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool rolls completely before sealing to prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rolled dough and store covered in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to allow gentle warming and rising.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 325°F for 8-10 minutes.
• Room Temperature Tip: Fresh rolls taste best within 6-8 hours of baking. Place on a covered plate at room temperature for short-term enjoyment, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.

Tangy Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade lemon curd sweet rolls deliver a delightful fusion of tangy citrus and pillowy pastry. Delicate spirals glazed with zesty lemon curd promise a memorable breakfast or brunch centerpiece you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps instant yeast
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (soft or melted)
• 0.5 cup water (110-115°F)
• 0.75 cup milk (coconut milk) (110-115°F)
• 1 tsp salt
• 10 oz (283 g) lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 0.25 tsp organic lemon flavoring
• 3–4 tbsps milk (coconut milk)

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Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Dissolve yeast in warm liquid, allowing it to bloom and become aromatic for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Dough Preparation: Combine activated yeast with remaining dough ingredients in a stand mixer, kneading until the mixture becomes smooth and elastic, developing a supple texture.
3. First Proofing: Transfer dough to a greased container, cover with a cloth, and let rise in a warm space until it doubles in volume, approximately 90 minutes.
4. Lemon Curd Layering: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangular shape, then generously spread lemon curd across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Rolling and Cutting: Tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a compact log, then slice into uniform segments approximately 1½ inches thick.
6. Second Proofing: Place rolls in a buttered baking pan with slight separation, cover, and allow to rise until puffy and slightly interconnected, about one hour.
7. Baking: Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F. Bake rolls until they achieve a rich, golden-amber color, approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. Glazing: Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon flavoring, and milk to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle over warm rolls, allowing the glaze to settle into the delicate crevices.

Notes

• Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F to prevent killing the yeast, which can result in dense, flat rolls.
• Dough Consistency Check: Knead until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, pulling away from mixer sides easily, indicating proper gluten development.
• Rising Environment Matters: Place dough in a warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to create ideal proofing conditions.
• Cutting Technique: Use dental floss or a sharp serrated knife for clean, precise roll cuts that maintain the spiral’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg