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Close-up of soft fluffy lemon rolls topped with cream cheese frosting and lemon zest in a baking dish.

Lemon Rolls Soft Fluffy with Cream Cheese Frosting

Soft lemon rolls with a gooey citrus filling and creamy lemon frosting. A bright homemade treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 1.25 cups whole milk warmed
  • 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 4.75 cups all purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Filling
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
For the Frosting
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add eggs, butter, and lemon zest.
  3. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 to 1 and a half hours until doubled in size.
  5. In a small bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt to make the filling.
  6. Roll the dough into a 18 by 12 inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Place in a greased baking dish.
  8. Pour heavy cream evenly between the rolls, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until puffy.
  9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly golden.
  10. Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice and mix until fluffy.
  11. Spread frosting over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

For extra soft rolls, avoid overbaking and remove them when just lightly golden on top.