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Fluffy Lemon Rolls with Vanilla Glaze

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Soft, fluffy lemon rolls topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast or tea time. These rolls balance lightness, tangy sweetness, and comforting flavors in under 2 hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm whole milk (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk (for glaze)
  • Optional: pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Warm 1 cup (240ml) whole milk to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar and sprinkle 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine 3 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture, melted butter, 2 eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a mixer for 5-6 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Add small amounts of flour if too sticky.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the rolls: Punch down dough, roll onto a floured surface into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Let rest 5 minutes if resistant.
  6. Form the rolls: Roll dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Cut into 12 equal pieces and place cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
  7. Second rise: Cover loosely and let rolls rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy but not doubled.
  8. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake rolls for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  9. Prepare glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
  10. Glaze and serve: Let rolls cool 10 minutes, then drizzle vanilla glaze over top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor. Milk temperature is critical for yeast activation. Knead dough well for softness. Allow proper rising times for fluffy texture. Check rolls early to avoid overbaking. Glaze while rolls are warm for best absorption. For dairy-free, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon rolls, vanilla glaze, fluffy rolls, breakfast rolls, soft rolls, lemon dessert, easy baking, sweet rolls

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fluffy-lemon-rolls-recipe-easy-perfect-soft-rolls-with-vanilla-glaze/