THIS LEMON ROLLS WITH LEMON CREAM CHEESE GLAZE

Introduction

If you’re a fan of the classic cinnamon rolls but want to try something different, these Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are the perfect treat for you. Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these rolls are a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe. They are perfect for brunch, breakfast, or as a special dessert. So, let’s get started and dive into the world of citrusy goodness!

Ingredients

For the dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
½ cup warm water
½ cup warm milk
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Zest of 2 lemons

For the lemon filling:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
Juice of 2 lemons
Zest of 1 lemon

For the cream cheese glaze:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
Juice of 1 lemon

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir well. Gradually add the flour and lemon zest, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and rise the dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the lemon filling

In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the prepared lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 5: Shape the rolls

Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal-sized rolls. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, leaving a little space between them. Cover with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the rolls

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 7: Prepare the cream cheese glaze

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, beating until creamy and well combined.

Step 8: Glaze the rolls

Spread the cream cheese glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt and cover each roll. You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice or sprinkle a little lemon zest on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Variations

While these Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are delicious on their own, you can also try some fun variations to switch things up:

Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the lemon filling for a fruity twist.
Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top of the cream cheese glaze for added crunch.
For a tropical twist, substitute some of the lemon juice with pineapple juice and add a little shredded coconut to the filling.

Tips

Here are a few tips to ensure your Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze turn out perfect:

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active to ensure a good rise. If your yeast doesn’t foam up after dissolving it in warm water, it may be expired.
When rolling out the dough, try to maintain an even thickness to ensure even baking.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a little more powdered sugar to the cream cheese glaze.
For a softer texture, brush some melted butter over the warm rolls before glazing them.

Conclusion

These Lemon Rolls with Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon rolls. The tangy lemon flavor combined with the creamy glaze creates a heavenly treat that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to impress everyone. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in the zesty goodness of these lemony delights!

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring the dough to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

Can I freeze the rolls?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls before baking. After shaping the rolls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with baking as directed.

Can I use lemon extract instead of lemon juice?

While lemon extract can be used in small amounts to enhance the lemon flavor, it is not recommended to substitute it for the lemon juice in this recipe. The natural acidity and tanginess of fresh lemon juice are what give these rolls their refreshing taste.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Using whole wheat flour will result in a denser texture and a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a lighter texture, it is best to stick with all-purpose flour for this recipe. However, you can try substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.