Lemon Rolls Fluffy Icing Zest (Print Version)

Soft rolls with bright lemon filling and sweet zesty icing, perfect for brunch or a delightful sweet treat.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 4 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (2 packets)
03 - 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
04 - 1 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
08 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)

→ Filling

10 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (from 2 large lemons)
13 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

→ Icing

14 - 2 cups powdered sugar
15 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
16 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Topping

17 - Fresh lemon zest, for garnish

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°F. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds, and fine salt.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, granulated sugar, and unsalted butter (cut in pieces). Microwave for 1 minute until just warm, then stir until smooth.
03 - Gradually pour the warm buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a dough hook on medium speed, or by hand. Dough will be sticky.
04 - Mix in eggs one at a time until a sticky dough forms. Continue mixing until dough is elastic, then add lemon zest and mix until fully incorporated.
05 - Add extra flour one tablespoon at a time until dough pulls away from bowl sides, feeling tacky but not sticky. Cover and let rest 10–20 minutes.
06 - In a medium bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest. Massage zest into sugars, then add softened butter and whisk until smooth.
07 - Roll out dough on a floured surface to a 12 x 18-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Evenly spread filling over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
08 - Tightly roll dough from the long edge. Using dental floss, cut roll into 12 equal segments. Arrange evenly in a greased or lined 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
09 - Turn off the oven, cover rolls with foil, and place inside to rise for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove rolls; preheat oven to 350°F. Return pan and bake 28–32 minutes until golden brown.
11 - While rolls cool, whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth.
12 - Spoon icing over warm rolls after 10–20 minutes of cooling; garnish with fresh lemon zest before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make at home without special tools
  • Soft fluffy dough every time thanks to buttermilk
  • Bold lemon flavor in the dough filling and icing
  • Perfect for brunches showers or gifting to friends
02 -
  • High in real citrus flavor from juice and zest
  • Freezes well for make ahead baking
  • Big batch for parties or gifting
03 -
  • Always zest lemons before juicing since it is easier
  • For perfect fluffy texture do not add too much flour Keep dough tacky while kneading for the lightest rolls
  • Dental floss slices rolls without squishing the spirals for perfect presentation

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