These Raspberry-Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of tart raspberries and zesty lemon, all wrapped up in a soft, buttery yeast dough. Finished with a drizzle of tangy lemon glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios, these sweet rolls are a refreshing twist on a classic cinnamon roll. The dough is light and fluffy, and the fruity filling creates a delicious contrast with the rich dough. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert, these rolls are sure to brighten any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these sweet rolls for their fresh and vibrant flavors. The raspberry filling adds a juicy, tart burst to the soft, slightly sweet dough, while the lemon zest enhances the overall brightness of the rolls. The lemon glaze provides the perfect tangy sweetness, and the chopped pistachios give a delightful crunch. These sweet rolls are not overly sweet, making them a balanced treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Plus, they’re a beautiful and impressive addition to any brunch table or special occasion.
The Perfect Occasion
These Raspberry-Lemon Sweet Rolls are perfect for a weekend breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. They’re an excellent option for holiday mornings, baby showers, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a homemade, fruity pastry. Since they can be prepared ahead of time, they’re also ideal for special events or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether served warm from the oven or enjoyed the next day, these sweet rolls are a refreshing treat.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch, drizzle the lemon glaze in a zigzag pattern over the warm rolls for an elegant finish. You can also sprinkle some finely grated lemon zest and crushed pistachios over the top for added color and texture. If you’re feeling creative, consider adding fresh raspberries or edible flowers to decorate the platter. Serve the rolls in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy, bakery-style presentation.
Ingredients for the Dough
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 180ml milk
- 70g butter
- 1 egg
- 60g sugar
- 450g all-purpose flour
Ingredients for the Filling
- 250g frozen raspberries (slightly thawed)
- 50g sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon
Ingredients for the Glaze
- 60g powdered sugar
- 10ml lemon juice
Toppings
- Chopped pistachios
- Lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter until the butter melts and the mixture is lukewarm (not too hot).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk mixture with the dry yeast, stirring until the yeast dissolves.
Add the egg, sugar, and flour to the bowl and knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough is rising, mix the slightly thawed raspberries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest in a bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Sweet Rolls
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about 35×40 cm (14×16 inches).
Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough.
Carefully roll the dough up from the long side to form a log.
Cut the rolled dough into 8 large pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), using top and bottom heat (Ober/Unterhitze).
Bake the rolls for about 45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls are still warm, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until you get a smooth glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
Step 6: Decorate and Serve
Sprinkle the rolls with chopped pistachios and extra lemon zest for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve the rolls warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy!
These Raspberry-Lemon Sweet Rolls are a delightful combination of fruity and tangy flavors, with a buttery dough that melts in your mouth. Whether served for breakfast or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit!
