Lemon Cream Rolls

🍋 Lemon Cream Rolls – A Burst of Citrus Delight! 🍋

Indulge in the soft, pillowy texture of these Lemon Cream Rolls, where the zesty brightness of lemon curd meets the rich creaminess of a perfect sweet dough. These rolls are the ultimate comfort treat, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors, making it impossible to have just one.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

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

For the Lemon Cream Filling:

• 1 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
   • Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
   • Gradually add the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Make the Lemon Cream Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
   • Add the powdered sugar and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
   • Gently fold in the lemon curd to create a creamy, tangy filling.
3. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air.
   • Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
   • Spread the lemon cream filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log.
   • Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, cut side up.
   • Cover the rolls and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
4. Bake the Rolls:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
   • Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly before glazing.
5. Glaze the Rolls:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
   • Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the lemon cream rolls warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the delightful burst of citrus with every bite!

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Rolls are the perfect combination of soft, fluffy dough and a luscious lemon filling that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or serving them at a brunch gathering, these rolls are sure to impress. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes them a unique treat that stands out from the usual cinnamon rolls. Give them a try, and they might just become your new favorite!

Enjoy your baking and savor every zesty bite! 🍋✨