Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves bright, citrusy flavors wrapped in a soft, pillowy dough. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked rolls infused with lemon zest filling your kitchenâthe perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite. These rolls take the classic cinnamon roll concept and give it a refreshing, zesty twist. If youâre a fan of lemon desserts, this recipe is a must-try.
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LEMON ROLLS WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE GLAZE
Love cinnamon rolls? Try this zesty twist with Lemon Rolls & Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze! đđ Soft, pillowy rolls swirled with a sweet lemon filling and smothered in a creamy, tangy glazeâeach bite is pure bliss! ⨠Perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, these rolls are a citrusy dream come true. đ° Bonus: theyâre easy to make and packed with bright, refreshing flavors! Whoâs craving a warm, gooey bite of sunshine? âď¸đ #LemonLovers #HomemadeRolls #FluffyAndDelicious #SweetAndTangy #EasyBaking #CitrusGoodness #LemonDesserts #BakingHappiness #BrunchPerfection #FreshAndZesty đ
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed â The warmth activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough. If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, so aim for about 110°F (43°C).
- Âź cup granulated sugar â Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the yeast develop.
- 2 Âź teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) â The key to a light, fluffy dough. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the flour.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour â Provides structure while keeping the rolls soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt â Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Adds richness and makes the dough tender.
- 2 large eggs â Helps bind the ingredients and create a soft texture.
For the Lemon Filling:
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Ensures the filling spreads easily.
- â cup granulated sugar â Sweetens the filling and balances the tart lemon flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest â The zest provides a concentrated lemon flavor without extra liquid.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice â Enhances the citrusy taste and adds freshness.
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened â Creates a creamy, tangy glaze.
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Helps blend the glaze smoothly.
- 1 cup powdered sugar â Adds sweetness and thickens the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice â Infuses the glaze with a bright citrus flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest â Provides extra lemony aroma and taste.
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free Version: Use almond or oat milk and replace butter with dairy-free margarine.
- Egg Substitute: Use Âź cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If the yeast doesnât foam, it may be inactive, and youâll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but avoid adding too much, as it can make the rolls dense.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. This filling will spread easily and melt into the rolls while baking.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12Ă18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the lemon filling over the rolled-out dough using a spatula.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut it into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange and Rise Again: Place the rolls in a greased 9Ă13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake: Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
5. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
6. Finish and Serve
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: These rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the glaze is soft and melty.
Notes
- How to Tell if the Dough is Kneaded Enough: The dough should be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when poked. If itâs too sticky, knead for another minute.
- Proofing the Dough in a Cold Kitchen: If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Preventing Overbaking: The rolls should be golden on top but still soft inside. If they brown too quickly, cover them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spreading the Filling Evenly: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer of lemon filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
What makes these Lemon Rolls perfect for beginners? First, they use simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The dough is soft and easy to work with, and the filling comes together in minutes. The glaze? A smooth, lemony cream cheese topping that melts into the warm rolls, making them absolutely irresistible. Even if youâve never made homemade rolls before, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with ease.
Whether youâre looking for a special weekend breakfast, a comforting dessert, or a way to impress guests, these Lemon Rolls are sure to be a hit. The bright lemon flavor makes them feel light and fresh, and the soft texture keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they can be prepped ahead of time, making them a great option for busy mornings.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you begin, make sure you have everything ready. Having your ingredients measured and prepped will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
For the Dough:
- ½ cup whole milk, warmed â The warmth activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough. If your milk is too hot, it can kill the yeast, so aim for about 110°F (43°C).
- Âź cup granulated sugar â Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the yeast develop.
- 2 Âź teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)Â â The key to a light, fluffy dough. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly into the flour.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour â Provides structure while keeping the rolls soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt â Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Adds richness and makes the dough tender.
- 2 large eggs â Helps bind the ingredients and create a soft texture.
For the Lemon Filling:
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Ensures the filling spreads easily.
- â cup granulated sugar â Sweetens the filling and balances the tart lemon flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest â The zest provides a concentrated lemon flavor without extra liquid.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice â Enhances the citrusy taste and adds freshness.
For the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened â Creates a creamy, tangy glaze.
- Âź cup unsalted butter, softened â Helps blend the glaze smoothly.
- 1 cup powdered sugar â Adds sweetness and thickens the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice â Infuses the glaze with a bright citrus flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest â Provides extra lemony aroma and taste.
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Dairy-Free Version:Â Use almond or oat milk and replace butter with dairy-free margarine.
- Egg Substitute:Â Use Âź cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg.
- Gluten-Free Option:Â Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Activate the Yeast:Â In a small bowl, mix the warmed milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. If the yeast doesnât foam, it may be inactive, and youâll need to start over with fresh yeast.
- Mix the Dough:Â In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the softened butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Stir until a dough starts to form.
- Knead the Dough:Â Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but avoid adding too much, as it can make the rolls dense.
- First Rise:Â Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. This filling will spread easily and melt into the rolls while baking.
3. Assemble the Rolls
- Roll Out the Dough:Â Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it into a 12Ă18-inch rectangle.
- Spread the Filling:Â Evenly spread the lemon filling over the rolled-out dough using a spatula.
- Roll and Cut:Â Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut it into 12 equal pieces.
- Arrange and Rise Again:Â Place the rolls in a greased 9Ă13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them. Cover and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake:Â Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
5. Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
6. Finish and Serve
- Glaze the Rolls:Â Once the rolls are out of the oven and slightly cooled, spread the lemon cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy:Â These rolls are best enjoyed warm, when the glaze is soft and melty.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- How to Tell if the Dough is Kneaded Enough:Â The dough should be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when poked. If itâs too sticky, knead for another minute.
- Proofing the Dough in a Cold Kitchen:Â If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in an oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
- Preventing Overbaking:Â The rolls should be golden on top but still soft inside. If they brown too quickly, cover them with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spreading the Filling Evenly:Â Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get an even layer of lemon filling.

Serving Suggestions
- Best Enjoyed Warm:Â These rolls taste amazing fresh out of the oven with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Pair with Fresh Fruit:Â Serve with a side of berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Add a Dusting of Powdered Sugar:Â For an extra touch of sweetness, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storing Leftovers:Â Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating:Â Microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them soft again.
- Freezing:Â Freeze unbaked rolls after the second rise. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, offering a bright and zesty flavor thatâs perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Theyâre soft, fluffy, and infused with lemony goodness, making every bite a sweet, tangy treat. Whether youâre a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
Have you tried making these Lemon Rolls? Let us know how they turned out in the comments below! If you love citrus desserts, be sure to share this recipe with friends and family! đâ¨