Introduction
Indulge in the bright and refreshing flavors of our Lemon Rolls with Citrus Cream Cheese Icing, a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. These soft and fluffy rolls are infused with zesty lemon flavor and topped with a tangy citrus cream cheese icing for the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day, Lemon Rolls with Citrus Cream Cheese Icing are sure to brighten your day with their irresistible taste.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
For the Citrus Cream Cheese Icing:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.
- Add the melted unsalted butter, eggs, lemon zest, salt, and 4 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to make the filling.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Fill and Roll the Dough:
- Spread the prepared filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Starting from one long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
- Pinch the seams to seal and slice the log into 12 equal pieces.
6. Arrange the Rolls:
- Place the sliced rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
- Cover the baking dish with a clean kitchen towel and let the rolls rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffed up.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Rolls:
- Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
9. Make the Citrus Cream Cheese Icing:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract, beating until the icing is smooth and well combined.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Ice the Rolls:
- Spread the prepared citrus cream cheese icing over the warm lemon rolls, allowing it to melt slightly and coat the rolls.
- Serve the lemon rolls warm, with extra icing on the side if desired.
11. Enjoy!
- Enjoy the bright and refreshing flavors of our Lemon Rolls with Citrus Cream Cheese Icing, a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made Lemon Rolls with Citrus Cream Cheese Icing, a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that’s sure to brighten your day. With their soft and fluffy texture, zesty lemon flavor, and creamy citrus cream cheese icing, these rolls are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack, Lemon Rolls with Citrus Cream Cheese Icing are a delightful way to indulge your taste buds.