Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, these Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are the citrusy twist your morning routine has been craving. Rolled with a luscious lemon sugar filling and topped with a creamy lemon glaze, these pillowy sweet rolls are bursting with sunshine flavor in every bite. Perfect for spring brunches, weekend treats, or holiday mornings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bright & Citrusy – Lemon zest and juice bring a refreshing twist.
Soft & Pillowy – The dough is fluffy and tender, just like classic cinnamon rolls.
Beautifully Glazed – A tangy-sweet lemon glaze takes it over the top.
Make Ahead – Perfect for prepping the night before and baking fresh.
Unique Yet Familiar – A creative spin on sweet rolls that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tsp poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• ½ tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer with dough hook or hand mixer
• Rolling pin
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Sharp knife or floss for slicing
• Clean towel or plastic wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Stir in melted butter and egg until smooth.
3. Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead by hand or with a mixer for 6–8 minutes until dough is soft and elastic.
5. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds until combined and spreadable.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 14×10-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the lemon poppy seed filling evenly over the dough.
3. Roll up tightly from the long side to form a log.
4. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Arrange rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 5: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake rolls for 20–25 minutes, until golden on top and baked through.
3. Let cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Make the Glaze & Finish

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth and pourable.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls and sprinkle with lemon zest if desired.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Rolls
Use Fresh Lemon – Zest and juice from fresh lemons give the best flavor.
Don’t Overfill – Too much filling can leak during baking.
Slice Gently – Use dental floss for clean cuts.
Rise in Warm Spot – Yeast loves warmth for a good rise.
Glaze While Warm – It melts slightly into the rolls for the perfect finish.

Serving Suggestions
With Hot Tea – A cozy and citrusy match.
Alongside Fresh Berries – Raspberries or blueberries complement the lemon.
For Brunch – Pair with quiche or fruit salad.
As a Dessert – Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Gift-Worthy – Wrap in parchment and ribbon for a homemade treat.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze unglazed rolls in a freezer-safe bag.
• Thaw overnight and reheat before glazing.

Reheating:

• Microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these the night before?
Yes—assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.

2. Can I use store-bought dough?
You can use pre-made dough for a shortcut, but homemade offers the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?
Absolutely! Replace some powdered sugar with softened cream cheese for a richer topping.

4. Are they very sweet?
They’re lightly sweetened with a tangy glaze—perfectly balanced.

5. Can I skip the poppy seeds?
Sure! You’ll still get the delicious lemon flavor.

Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are a bright and beautiful spin on a classic. With their zesty filling, soft dough, and luscious glaze, they’re the kind of treat that brings sunshine to your kitchen all year long. Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or any time you need a little citrusy indulgence.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your lemon roll creations.
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Roll – 12 rolls):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 140mg

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