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The Best Homemade Lemon Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey & Easy Bakery-Style Recipe)


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Homemade Lemon Cinnamon Rolls are ultra-soft, fluffy yeast rolls filled with buttery cinnamon sugar and fresh lemon zest, then topped with a sweet homemade lemon glaze. These bakery-style rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a warm homemade treat.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour

2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

1 cup warm whole milk

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Zest of 2 lemons

For the Lemon Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon melted butter

Extra lemon zest for garnish


Instructions

1. Combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon zest to make the filling.

5. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle and spread the filling evenly over the surface.

6. Roll the dough tightly into a log and cut into 12 equal rolls. Arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 to 40 minutes.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly golden.

8. Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and melted butter to make the glaze.

9. Pour the glaze over the warm cinnamon rolls and garnish with extra lemon zest before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated lemon zest for the brightest citrus flavor.

Do not overheat the milk or it may prevent the yeast from activating.

Allow the rolls to cool for about 10 minutes before glazing.

These cinnamon rolls are delicious served warm with coffee or tea.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 395
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 48mg