Lemon Rolls - Gluten Free Cooking Guide

These Lemon Rolls are the ultimate treat for any occasion, whether it’s a sunny brunch or a cozy family breakfast. With their soft and fluffy texture, gooey centers, and delightful lemon icing, these rolls are bursting with vibrant flavor. The best part? They can be ready in just 90 minutes! Perfectly sweet and tangy, these Lemon Rolls are sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: These lemon rolls take only 90 minutes from start to finish, making them a great choice for last-minute gatherings.
Bursting with Flavor: Each roll is packed with fresh lemon zest and juice, giving you that refreshing citrus taste in every bite.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a dessert, these rolls fit any occasion seamlessly.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even novice bakers can create bakery-quality lemon rolls at home.
Customizable: Add poppy seeds or other toppings to tailor the rolls to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Lemon Rolls, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook or Danish Dough Whisk
9 x 13-inch Pan
Parchment Paper
Ruler
Dental Floss

Importance of Each Tool

Stand Mixer w/ Dough Hook: This tool makes kneading the dough effortless and ensures a smooth consistency.
Dental Floss: An unconventional yet effective way to slice the rolls without squishing them.

Ingredients

To whip up these delightful Lemon Rolls, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + additional flour added 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)

For the 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)

For the Icing

2 cups powdered sugar (250g)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (60g)
2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted (28g)

Additional Items

Fresh Lemon Zest

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

In a stand mixer bowl, combine the warm buttermilk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add in granulated sugar, eggs, softened butter, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add in flour until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead on medium speed for about 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use your hands if preferred.

Step 3: First Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.

Step 4: Prepare Filling and Shape Rolls

Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle.
Spread softened butter over the dough; sprinkle with both sugars and additional lemon zest.
Roll tightly into a log shape and cut into individual rolls using dental floss.

Step 5: Second Rise

Place rolls in a greased pan lined with parchment paper. Cover again and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for about 25-28 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Icing

While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once baked, drizzle warm icing over freshly baked rolls. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Lemon Rolls that are sure to brighten up any meal!

How to Serve Lemon Rolls

These lemon rolls are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

Serve warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a refreshing morning boost.

With Fresh Fruit

Pair with slices of seasonal fruits like strawberries or blueberries for a colorful plate.

As a Dessert

Drizzle additional lemon icing on top and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

At Brunch

Include them as part of a brunch spread, complemented by savory options like scrambled eggs or avocado toast.

With Whipped Cream

Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and fresh berries for a luxurious touch.

How to Perfect Lemon Rolls

Perfecting your lemon rolls takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve soft and fluffy results every time.

Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure your buttermilk, butter, and eggs are at room temperature to promote even mixing and better texture.
Knead the dough well – Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for light and airy rolls.
Let the dough rise fully – Allow the dough to double in size during the first proofing. This step is crucial for creating fluffy rolls.
Don’t skip the second rise – After shaping the rolls, let them rise again before baking. This ensures they are light and have a nice volume.
Watch your baking time – Keep an eye on the rolls while they bake. They should be golden brown; overbaking can dry them out.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Rolls

Lemon rolls can be paired with various side dishes that complement their bright flavor. Here are some great options to consider:

Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of your favorite fruits adds natural sweetness and tang, balancing the richness of lemon rolls.
Greek Yogurt Parfait – Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a creamy, crunchy side that enhances breakfast.
Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a well-rounded meal when served alongside lemon rolls.
Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado on toasted bread adds healthy fats, creating a satisfying contrast to sweet lemon rolls.
Cottage Cheese with Berries – The mild flavor of cottage cheese pairs beautifully with the tartness of berries, making for a nutritious side dish.
Smoothie Bowl – A refreshing smoothie bowl topped with nuts, seeds, and fruits offers a cool complement to warm lemon rolls.
Chia Seed Pudding – This nutritious option can be flavored with lemon zest or vanilla, echoing the flavors in your rolls while providing fiber.
Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche filled with vegetables or cheese gives you a savory option that balances out the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making lemon rolls, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to keep your lemon rolls perfect every time.

Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your buttermilk and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can hinder yeast activation and lead to dense rolls.
Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. Too much flour can dry out the dough, resulting in tough rolls.
Skipping the resting time: Allow the dough to rest as directed. Skipping this step can prevent the rolls from rising properly, leading to a chewy texture.
Neglecting to check yeast freshness: Always check the expiration date on your instant dry yeast. Using old yeast can result in flat rolls with no rise.
Overbaking: Keep an eye on your oven timer! Overbaking can lead to dry lemon rolls. Aim for a light golden color for perfect softness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Rolls

Wrap lemon rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Rolls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the rolls for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual rolls for about 15-20 seconds on high until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
Stovetop: Place rolls in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making lemon rolls, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use different types of citrus for these Lemon Rolls?

Yes! You can experiment with oranges or limes instead of lemons. Adjust the zest and juice accordingly for flavor balance.

How do I achieve gooey centers in my Lemon Rolls?

Make sure you roll the dough tightly and allow it to rise properly before baking. The filling should also be generous!

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky while kneading, gradually add more flour until it reaches a soft, manageable consistency without being dry.

Can I make these Lemon Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dough and shape it into rolls, then refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before baking.

What is the best way to serve Lemon Rolls?

These lemon rolls are best served warm with fresh icing drizzled on top. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

These lemon rolls are an irresistible combination of soft texture, bright flavor, and sweet icing that makes them perfect for summer breakfasts or brunches. Feel free to customize them by adding poppy seeds or experimenting with different citrus flavors. Try this recipe today; you won’t be disappointed!