Indulge in the delightful and zesty flavors of these homemade Lemon Rolls, a perfect twist on the classic cinnamon rolls. Infused with fresh lemon and vanilla, and speckled with poppy seeds, these rolls offer a soft, fluffy texture and a heavenly scent. Topped with a creamy lemon frosting, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a hint of citrus in their treats.
Why You'll Love This: These Lemon Rolls combine the comforting texture of soft bread with the refreshing zestiness of lemon, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The unique addition of poppy seeds adds a slight crunch and visual appeal, making these rolls not only delicious but also beautiful. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of day.
Perfect Occasion: Serve these Lemon Rolls at your next brunch, family gathering, or during the holidays to brighten up your table and impress your guests. They are also great for weekend baking projects when you want to fill your home with the sweet and tangy aroma of baking lemons.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 600g flour
- 300ml milk, room temperature
- 7g dry yeast (or adjust if using fresh yeast)
- 100g butter, melted
- 80g powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- For the Lemon Cream Filling:
- 3 eggs
- 120g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest and juice of 3 lemons
- 40g butter
- For the Frosting:
- 175g cream cheese
- 50g butter, softened
- 80g powdered sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- Dissolve the yeast in warm milk and set aside for about 10 minutes to activate.
- In a large bowl, mix flour with poppy seeds. Add the milk mixture, sugars, salt, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Combine to form a dough.
- Let the dough rest in a warm place (like an oven with just the light on, about 26°C) for about 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until smooth.
- Shape the Rolls:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface. Spread the lemon cream filling over the dough.
- Roll the dough up tightly and cut into individual rolls using dental floss or a sharp knife.
- Place the rolls in a lightly buttered baking dish and let them rise again for about an hour.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C).
- Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Mix the softened butter with powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in lemon zest.
- Finish and Serve:
- While the rolls are still warm, spread the frosting over them.
- Decorate with additional lemon zest if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Rolls, a treat that's sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your day with every bite!