Delicious Lemon Rolls Filled with Creamy Lemon Curd Recipe

Lemon Rolls have a way of brightening any day, filling the air with a fresh and zesty aroma that dances around your kitchen. Imagine pulling a warm batch from the oven, the sweet and tangy scent wrapping around you like a comforting hug, ready to melt in your mouth. These rolls are a mouthwatering blend of fluffy dough and creamy lemon curd that will have your taste buds singing. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a festive gathering, these Lemon Rolls deserve a spot on your table.

Every time I bake these delightful Lemon Rolls, I’m transported back to sunny mornings spent at grandma’s house, with the irresistible smell of lemon wafting through the air. The joy of sharing these rolls with friends and family brings back memories of laughter and good company. Get ready to bring out your inner baker and treat yourself to a slice of sunshine with this recipe that promises to deliver an unforgettable flavor experience.

Ingredients for Lemon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lemon Rolls:

½ cup warm water – heated to about 110°F (43°C) to activate yeast, making your rolls rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar – this sugar helps to awaken the yeast.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
5 cups all-purpose flour – vital for achieving that soft roll texture.
⅓ cup granulated sugar – adds a hint of sweetness to the dough.
1 teaspoon sea salt – enhances the overall flavor of the rolls.
¾ cup warm milk – gives the dough richness and moisture.
2 large eggs – room temperature for better mixing and rising.
¾ cup softened butter – a key to that light and fluffy texture in the rolls.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – adds depth to the flavor profile.
1 tablespoon lemon zest – infuses the dough with a vibrant citrus note.
1 cup lemon curd – the star filling that creates luscious flavor.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – thickens the lemon curd so it spreads nicely on the dough.
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream – poured over the rolls for a rich, custard-like texture as they bake.
½ cup softened butter (for frosting) – makes the frosting dreamy and spreadable.
2 cups powdered sugar – gives the frosting sweetness and a lovely texture.
¼ teaspoon sea salt – balances the sweetness in the frosting.
¼ cup sour cream – adds tanginess and richness to the frosting.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting) – enhances the overall taste of the frosting.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavor of the frosting.
¼ cup lemon curd (for garnish) – adds a beautiful tang on top of the rolls.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Lemon Rolls:

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast
In a medium bowl, pour the warm water and add 1 teaspoon of sugar, followed by the yeast. Whisk until dissolved, then let it sit for 8-10 minutes until a thick foam forms over the top. This magical foam? That’s your yeast coming to life.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and create a well in the center. Add the sugar, salt, warm milk, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the bloomed yeast mixture to the well. Whisk the ingredients in the center until just combined, then slowly incorporate the flour from the sides until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.

Step 3: Let it Rise
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45-55 minutes, or until it doubles in size. This is the dough’s time to shine as the yeast does its thing!

Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once risen, gently deflate the dough by folding one edge over the top six times until smooth. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. In a separate bowl, mix the lemon curd with cornstarch, then spread this tangy goodness over the rolled-out dough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting with the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using unflavored floss or thin cotton string, cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each roll in a greased 8” by 12” baking pan and let rise for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Carefully pour heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and deliciously aromatic. While baking, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and salt, mixing until light and airy, then fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and that extra lemon curd. Once the rolls are out, let them cool slightly before spreading the frosting generously over the warm rolls.

Now, you’re just moments away from enjoying a slice of sunshine! These Lemon Rolls are best served warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, don’t forget to garnish with extra lemon curd. Enjoy every blissful bite!

Perfecting Lemon Rolls Cooking Process

To make the most of your time and ensure success, begin by bloating the yeast while you measure flour and prepare other ingredients. Once ready, combine all elements swiftly. After the dough rises, roll and fill immediately, ensuring no step is rushed for those luscious lemon rolls.

Add Your Touch to Lemon Rolls

Feel free to spice things up with lemon zest or different flavor extracts, like almond or orange. You can swap heavy cream for almond milk for a lighter roll or add poppy seeds for a delightful crunch. Go ahead, make those lemon rolls uniquely yours!

Storing & Reheating Lemon Rolls

Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm in the oven, ensuring they stay soft and delicious.

Baking these lemon rolls takes me back to sunny Sunday mornings at my grandma’s house, where the aroma of fresh rolls would fill the air, and family gathered eagerly at the table, each of us ready for seconds.

FAQs About Lemon Rolls

What are Lemon Rolls?

Lemon rolls are delicious, sweet rolls filled with tangy lemon curd that create a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. They are soft, fluffy, and can be topped with a creamy frosting that perfectly complements the brightness of the lemon. Traditionally served as a dessert, these rolls can also be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a delightful afternoon snack with a cup of tea. The combination of yeast dough and lemon curd creates a unique texture and taste that makes lemon rolls a favorite among many.

How do I make Lemon Rolls from scratch?

Making lemon rolls from scratch involves creating a soft dough using flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, then letting it rise until fluffy. Once the dough is ready, you roll it out and spread a mixture of lemon curd and cornstarch over the surface. After rolling it up tightly, the dough is sliced into individual rolls, allowed to rise again, and then baked until golden. Topping them off with a creamy frosting and additional lemon curd makes for an irresistible treat.

Can I modify the Lemon Rolls recipe?

Absolutely! Lemon rolls are quite versatile and can be customized in several ways. You can add different flavorings like almond or orange extract for a unique twist. Consider incorporating poppy seeds or dried fruits into the filling for added texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap heavy cream for a milk alternative like almond milk. The creativity is endless; just make it your own!

How should I store leftover Lemon Rolls?

To keep your leftover lemon rolls fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven to restore their softness. Enjoy the delightful taste of lemon rolls even after they’ve been baked!

Conclusion for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls are not just a treat; they evoke warmth, nostalgia, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. With their light, fluffy texture and zesty lemon flavor, these rolls are perfect for any occasion. Making homemade lemon rolls allows for lots of delicious experimentation, so don’t hesitate to add your unique spin. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or a day later, lemon rolls promise to bring a burst of sunshine to your table.

Delicious Lemon Rolls Filled with Creamy Lemon Curd Recipe

These delightful Lemon Rolls are filled with zesty lemon curd, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Additional Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 rolls

Course: Dessert Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 599

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Dough

• ½ cup water warm
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 5 cups all purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¾ cup milk warm
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• ¾ cup butter softened
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Filling and Topping

• 1 cup lemon curd
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup butter softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup lemon curd

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Pan
• whisk
• Rolling Pin
• oven

Method

 

Making the Dough

1. Pour warm water into a medium bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar and the yeast, whisk to dissolve. Let sit for 8-10 minutes until thick foam forms on top.
2. Sift the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and add sugar, salt, warm milk, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the bloomed yeast mixture.
3. Whisk the ingredients in the middle of the well together, then slowly incorporate the flour into the wet mixture. Keep mixing until it forms a shaggy, sticky dough. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45-55 minutes until puffed and doubled in size.

Forming the Rolls

1. Deflate the dough by lifting one edge over the rest, repeating 6 times until smooth.
2. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon curd and cornstarch. Spread the mixture on top of the dough.
4. Starting with the longer edge, roll the dough into a tight roll. Cut into 12 equal pieces using unflavored floss or thin cotton string.
5. Place each roll in a buttered 8" by 12" rectangular baking pan. Let rise for about 15 minutes.

Baking the Rolls

1. Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C). Pour heavy cream over the rolls and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
2. For the frosting, beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and salt, then beat until fluffy.
3. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Beat well until very light and fluffy.
4. Spread the frosting onto the warm rolls and add dollops of lemon curd, swirling them together.

Nutrition

Serving: 1rollCalories: 599kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 8gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 487mgFiber: 2gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These rolls are best served warm and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later.

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