Lemon Rolls Recipe
If there’s any treat I want to wake up to on a sunny weekend morning, it’s these Lemon Rolls. Imagine the fluffiest, softest dough wrapped around a vibrant, zesty lemon-sugar filling and drenched in a bright, tangy icing. Each bite somehow manages to be both buttery and refreshing, making this dish the perfect marriage between classic cinnamon rolls and pure citrus joy. Whether you’re prepping a special brunch or simply celebrating the little things, these Lemon Rolls are guaranteed to add sunshine to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Lemon Rolls is how each ingredient brings something unique to the table, from tangy buttermilk in the dough to the fresh lemon zest that perfumes every layer. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving your rolls structure and a pillowy crumb.
- Instant dry yeast: What makes these rolls rise tall and fluffy; make sure it’s fresh and active!
- Poppy seeds (optional): Add a gentle crunch and a hint of nuttiness for visual flair.
- Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Buttermilk, room temperature: Infuses the dough with extra tenderness and a deluxe tang you’ll notice in every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and filling, pairing perfectly with the citrus.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature: Brings richness to both dough and filling for irresistibly soft layers.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Help bind the dough and contribute to its plush texture.
- Fresh lemon zest: The ingredient that steals the show; don’t be shy, the more aromatic, the better.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness and molasses warmth to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: The base of the dreamy, drizzle-worthy lemon icing.
- Fresh lemon juice: The “zing” that’s essential to the icing and makes the rolls utterly refreshing.
- Additional topping – Fresh Lemon Zest: Finishes off the Lemon Rolls with a pop of color and aroma.
How to Make Lemon Rolls
Step 1: Make the Lemon Roll Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 200 F (95 C). In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk together the all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, poppy seeds (if using), and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, granulated sugar, and butter, heating them in the microwave until the butter is mostly melted and the mixture is warm (not hot). Slowly pour the warm mixture into the dry ingredients and mix to form a sticky dough. Add the eggs one by one, then finish with plenty of fresh lemon zest. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a bit of extra flour until it’s tacky but not sticking to your hands. Cover and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Roll Filling
While your dough takes a breather, mix up the filling. Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl, using your fingertips to massage the oils out of the zest (this step makes your kitchen smell heavenly). Whisk in the softened butter until you have a thick, spreadable paste. Set aside—you’ll want this ready as soon as the dough is rolled out.
Step 3: Roll Out and Fill
Transfer the rested dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12 by 18 inches, and about 1/2 cm thick. Spread the lemon filling generously over the dough, leaving a half-inch strip bare along one long edge so you can seal it up after rolling. Carefully roll up the dough, starting from the side opposite your untouched strip, rolling towards it to keep the spiral tight and neat.
Step 4: Slice and Rise
Take a length of dental floss (yes, really—it’s perfect for clean cuts!) and slice the roll into 12 equal pieces. Arrange them in a greased or lined 9×13-inch pan. Now for my favorite trick: turn off your oven, cover the pan with foil, and set the Lemon Rolls in the gently warmed oven for about 30 minutes. They’ll puff up beautifully without drying out.
Step 5: Bake the Lemon Rolls
Remove the foil and rolls from the oven, and turn the temperature up to 350 F (175 C). Once preheated, bake the Lemon Rolls uncovered for 28 to 32 minutes, or until they’re golden-brown and spiraled high. Let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of citrus and butter!
Step 6: Drizzle with Lemon Icing
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth and thick. Spoon the icing generously over the warm rolls, finishing with extra lemon zest for both beauty and brightness. Serve warm and swoon at every bite.
How to Serve Lemon Rolls

Garnishes
Lemon Rolls absolutely shine with a simple sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top—trust me, don’t skip it! If you want to dial it up even more, a dusting of powdered sugar, a few poppy seeds, or thinly sliced candied lemon peel are all lovely options that make your rolls eye-catching and extra special.
Side Dishes
Lemon Rolls play well with a wide range of breakfast and brunch companions. Serve them with fresh berries, a cool citrus salad, or alongside a steamy mug of coffee or Earl Grey tea. On more indulgent mornings, bring out a platter of crispy bacon or soft scrambled eggs for a wondrous contrast of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting brunch? Arrange Lemon Rolls on a cake stand with garnishes for a striking centerpiece. For a personal touch, try baking them in individual muffin tins so everyone gets their own perfectly swirled roll. Or stack them high on a serving board with bowls of extra lemon icing for dunking—everyone will love the interactive fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Lemon Rolls (lucky you!), cover them tightly and store at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rolls will stay soft, and the lemon icing keeps them from drying out. Be sure to keep them airtight so they don’t pick up fridge odors.
Freezing
Lemon Rolls are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely and wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then slide them into a freezer bag. They can be frozen (iced or un-iced) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the microwave before icing and serving—they come out just as pillowy and zesty as day one.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave one Lemon Roll at a time for about 20-30 seconds, or warm several in a low oven (300 F) for 10-15 minutes. If you stored your rolls in the fridge, bring them to room temp first for even reheating. You can even whip up a little extra lemon icing to refresh the glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Rolls overnight?
Yes! Prepare the rolls up to the point where they’re in the pan, then cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, let them come to room temperature and rise for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you’re out of buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The slight acidity is key for the dough’s tenderness, so don’t skip this step!
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
You sure can! Just dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm buttermilk-sugar-butter mixture and wait for it to become foamy before adding it to the flour mixture. Your Lemon Rolls might need a bit longer to rise, but the result will still be delicious.
How do I keep my Lemon Rolls extra soft?
The secret is not over-flouring the dough—stop adding flour as soon as it stops sticking to your hands. Also, watch the bake time closely, and don’t overbake them or they’ll dry out. Covering them with foil for some of the baking time can also help maintain softness.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe scales beautifully. Use two 9×13-inch pans and bake both at once, rotating halfway through. Whether it’s for family brunch or a big gathering, everyone will want seconds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to brighten your day with a pan of pure sunshine, give these Lemon Rolls a try. Every swirl is bursting with citrusy flavor and joy, making them the perfect treat to share with people you love. I can’t wait for you to experience just how irresistible homemade Lemon Rolls can be—don’t forget to savor that first warm bite!
PrintLemon Rolls Recipe
These delightful Lemon Rolls are a perfect blend of citrusy sweetness, with a soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. The zesty lemon flavor combined with a sweet icing makes them a heavenly treat for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Lemon Roll Dough
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + additional flour for later in the process (530g)
- 4 1/2 tsp or 2 packets instant dry yeast (14g, 1/2 oz.)
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp poppy seeds – optional
- 1 tsp fine salt (6g)
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (240g)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (113g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
Lemon Roll Filling
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon zest, or the zest of 2 large lemons (6g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (113g)
Lemon Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)
Additional Topping
- Fresh Lemon Zest
Instructions
- Lemon Roll Dough – Preheat your oven to 200 F / 95 C. Combine flour, yeast, poppy seeds, and salt. Mix buttermilk, sugar, and butter; add to dry ingredients. Mix in eggs and lemon zest. Add additional flour slowly until dough forms. Let rest.
- Lemon Roll Filling – Combine sugars, lemon zest, and softened butter until smooth.
- Roll Up & Bake the Lemon Rolls – Roll out dough, spread filling, roll up, cut into pieces, place in pan. Assist with rise, then bake.
- Lemon Roll Icing – Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter. Ice cooled rolls and top with lemon zest.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for best results.
- Use dental floss to easily cut the rolled dough into equal pieces.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before icing to prevent the icing from melting too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Lemon Rolls, Sweet Rolls, Breakfast Pastry, Citrus Dessert