Delicious Lemon Rolls with Homemade Lemon Curd Frosting Recipe

Name: Delicious Lemon Rolls with Homemade Lemon Curd Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 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; 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

Published: September 30, 2025

by Grace Bennett

Why You'll Love This Lemon Rolls

This incredible Lemon Rolls transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Lemon Rolls

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

½ cup warm water – Essential for activating yeast, creating a light and airy texture.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar – Helps feed the yeast, giving the dough a better rise.
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast – The magic ingredient that makes your rolls fluffy and soft.
5 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure of your rolls; feel free to sift for a lighter texture.
⅓ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the dough for a delightful contrast to the tart lemon.
1 teaspoon sea salt – Balances the flavors; don’t skip it!
¾ cup warm milk – Contributes to moisture and richness in the dough.
2 large eggs (room temperature) – Adds richness and acts as a binder.
¾ cup softened butter – Creates a tender dough; make sure it’s really soft for easy mixing.
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – A flavor enhancer that brings out the best in your rolls.
1 tablespoon lemon zest – Infuses the dough with fresh, bright lemony flavor.
1 cup lemon curd – The star filling that adds a buttery and tangy punch.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps to thicken the lemon curd, preventing it from being too runny.
⅓ cup heavy whipping cream – Adds a luxurious richness when poured over the rolls before baking.
½ cup softened butter (for frosting) – The base for your creamy lemon frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar – For sweetness and a smooth texture in your frosting.
¼ teaspoon sea salt (for frosting) – Balances out the sweetness.
¼ cup sour cream – Adds a delightful tang to the frosting.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting) – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the flavor of the frosting.
¼ cup lemon curd (for topping) – A final touch of zesty goodness to swirl in.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Lemon Rolls:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Pour the warm water into a medium bowl. Add the teaspoon of sugar and the yeast, whisk to dissolve, and let it sit for about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it’s foamy and bubbly, you’re all good to go!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Add the sugar, salt, warm milk, eggs, softened butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and the foamy yeast mixture. Whisk the ingredients in the middle of the well, then gradually incorporate the flour to form a sticky, shaggy dough.

Step 3: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and set it in a warm place. Let it rise for about 45 to 55 minutes, or until it’s doubled in size. As you’re waiting, take a moment to daydream about how amazing these Lemon Rolls are going to taste.

Step 4: Shape the Rolls
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it by lifting and folding it. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon curd and cornstarch, then spread this zesty mixture over the rolled-out dough.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Starting at the longer edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Use unflavored dental floss or string to cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place these delightful pieces into a buttered 8″ by 12″ baking pan and let them rise for another 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C).

Step 6: Bake the Rolls
Pour the heavy cream over the rolls and bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool, but not for too long—the smell is irresistibly tempting!

Finish off by whipping up the frosting: in a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, beating until fluffy. Then add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, blending until it’s super light and fluffy. Spread this dreamy frosting on the warm rolls and add dollops of lemon curd for a zesty swirl.

Serve your Lemon Rolls warm and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. They’re the perfect combination of fluffy sweetness and tart goodness, guaranteed to brighten any table!

You Must Know About Lemon Rolls
This showstopping Lemon Rolls delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Lemon Rolls Cooking Process

To achieve the best Lemon Rolls, ensure you prepare the dough first while letting the yeast bloom. The lemon curd mixture can be whipped up as the dough rises, maximizing efficiency and flavor.

Add Your Touch to Lemon Rolls

Feel free to swap the lemon curd for other fruit flavors like raspberry or blueberry for a different twist. You can even sprinkle some poppy seeds into the dough for an extra delightful crunch.

Storing & Reheating Lemon Rolls

Store leftover Lemon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat in the oven for just a few minutes to restore their delightful warmth and softness.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Lemon Rolls

This professional-quality Lemon Rolls relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

I remember the first time I baked Lemon Rolls for my family. It was a sunny Sunday morning, and the aroma wafting through the house brought everyone to the kitchen. The smiles on their faces said it all!

FAQs About Lemon Rolls

What are Lemon Rolls?

Lemon Rolls are a delightful pastry made from sweet yeast dough that’s rolled with luscious lemon curd filling. These rolls are fluffy and soft, offering a perfect combination of tangy citrus flavor and sweet creaminess. Topped with a homemade frosting that includes lemon curd, they make for an irresistible treat at breakfast or brunch. Many bakers find that these rolls not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also impress guests at any gathering. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as an indulgent dessert, Lemon Rolls are sure to brighten your day.

How do you make Lemon Rolls from scratch?

Making Lemon Rolls from scratch involves preparing a yeast dough, allowing it to rise, and then filling it with lemon curd before baking. Start by activating the yeast in warm water, then combine it with flour, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and butter to create a soft dough. After letting the dough rise, spread a mixture of lemon curd over it, roll it up tightly, and slice into individual rolls. Bake until golden brown and finish with a delicious lemon curd frosting for an unforgettable treat.

Can I make Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Lemon Rolls ahead of time. After shaping the rolls, place them in the baking pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let them rise for an hour before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh Lemon Rolls with minimal morning effort. Alternatively, you can bake the rolls and then freeze them. Just reheat gently before serving to restore their delightful texture and taste.

What can I serve with Lemon Rolls?

Lemon Rolls are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing them with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dollop of mascarpone cheese. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of additional lemon curd also adds a lovely touch. For a brunch spread, serve these rolls alongside breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a light salad to balance out the sweetness.

Conclusion for Lemon Rolls

In conclusion, Lemon Rolls are the perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, providing a memorable treat for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, zesty filling, and delectable frosting, they are bound to delight everyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or dessert, these Lemon Rolls are simple yet impressive, making them a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Embrace the joy of creating these delightful rolls, and watch as they become a family favorite.