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Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe

Soft homemade Lemon Sweet Rolls filled with lemon sugar and lemon curd.
Topped with creamy lemon cream cheese frosting.
Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast / Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Tangzhong

  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup bread flour

For the Roll Dough

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 3 2/3 cups bread flour
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream room temperature
  • 1/3 cup whole milk room temperature
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • Tangzhong from above
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature

Lemon Sugar Filling

  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons lemon curd

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • Extra lemon curd for topping

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Tangzhong

  • Whisk the water and flour together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens into a paste-like roux, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Sugar

  • Rub the lemon zest into the granulated sugar using your fingertips until fragrant and sandy.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

  • In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour, lemon sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the heavy cream, milk, egg, and cooled tangzhong.
  • Knead with a dough hook on low speed for 2 minutes until a rough dough forms.

Step 4: Add the Butter

  • With the mixer running on low, add the butter one tablespoon at a time, allowing each piece to fully incorporate. Continue kneading for about 12 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

  • Shape the dough into a smooth ball and place it into a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Filling

  • Mix together the butter, brown sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 7: Roll and Fill

  • Roll the dough into a 21×15-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the lemon sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border at the top. Spread the lemon curd over the filling.

Step 8: Shape the Rolls

  • Using a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 strips. Roll each strip tightly and place into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan.

Step 9: Second Rise

  • Cover the pan and let the Lemon Sweet Rolls rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C).

Step 10: Bake

  • Bake for 30–35 minutes until lightly golden on top.

Step 11: Make the Frosting

  • Beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and continue mixing until fluffy. Mix in the lemon zest and heavy cream.

Step 12: Frost and Serve

  • Cool the rolls for 15 minutes before spreading the frosting over the top. Add extra lemon curd and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can prepare the rolls the night before and refrigerate before the second rise.
  • Add blueberries for a fruity variation.
  • Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh berries for brunch.