These Lemon Cinnamon Rolls bring a delightful citrus twist to a beloved classic. Infused with the fresh zest and juice of lemons, these rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Topped with a rich and creamy cheese glaze, each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these rolls are sure to become a family favorite.
Why You'll Love This: These lemon-infused cinnamon rolls stand out for their unique flavor profile and soft texture. The combination of sweet, tangy lemon filling with the creamy glaze creates a dessert that's both refreshing and indulgent. The dough, enriched with butter and milk, ensures a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for those who love citrus and want to elevate their baking repertoire.
Perfect Occasion: These Lemon Cinnamon Rolls are perfect for special occasions like family gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or a weekend brunch with friends. They're also a wonderful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Their beautiful presentation makes them a great choice for gifting or bringing to potlucks.
Decoration Tips: For a stunning presentation, garnish the glazed rolls with a sprinkle of lemon zest or thin slices of lemon. You can also add a few edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Serving them in a beautiful baking dish or on a decorative platter can enhance their appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 400ml milk, warm
- 200g granulated sugar, divided (100g + 100g)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 750g all-purpose flour
- 200g unsalted butter, melted (100g for dough + 100g for filling)
- 1 egg
- 10g dry yeast
- 0.5 tsp salt
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 300g cream cheese, softened
- 100ml heavy cream (33% fat)
- 100g powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, 100g of sugar, vanilla sugar, salt, and warm milk.
- In a separate bowl, combine 300g of flour with the dry yeast. Add this to the liquid mixture and stir until combined.
- Add 100g of melted butter and mix well.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mix the remaining 100g of softened butter with 100g of sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a large rectangle.
- Spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Cut into pieces about 4-5 cm thick.
- Place the rolls in a lined or greased baking dish. Let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the rolls for 30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- Beat the cream cheese, heavy cream, and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the glaze over the hot rolls right after they come out of the oven.
Enjoy these delightful Lemon Cinnamon Rolls with their refreshing citrus flavor and creamy glaze, perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat to brighten your day!