Zesty Lemon Rolls- Irresistible Citrus Swirls

Craving a sweet treat with a bright, tangy kick? These Zesty Lemon Rolls are the perfect answer! Imagine soft, fluffy dough swirled with a vibrant lemon filling, all crowned with a luscious lemon glaze. Get ready to bake pure sunshine into every bite!

Ingredients

• For the Dough:
• 1 cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
• For the Lemon Filling:
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 large lemons (about 2 tablespoons)
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 3-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine warm milk, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 2. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, egg, melted butter, and salt. Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
3. 3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. 5. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, combine softened butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
6. 6. Assemble the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a large rectangle, approximately 12×18 inches.
7. 7. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
8. 8. Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log.
9. 9. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal rolls, about 1 ½ inches thick.
10. 10. Arrange the rolls in a a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let rise again in a warm place for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
11. 11. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
12. 12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too quickly, you can loosely tent with foil.
13. 13. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Add more lemon juice, a teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
14. 14. Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the warm (but not hot) lemon rolls generously with the lemon glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy!