Description
Homemade lemon rolls showcase citrus-infused dough rolled with zesty filling and topped with tangy cream cheese glaze. Sweet and tart flavors blend perfectly, offering pure comfort for anyone craving a delightful breakfast pastry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (591 mL) very warm water
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 pkg rapid rise dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (227 g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) white sugar
- 1 pkg lemon flavor instant pudding mix
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 pkg (8 oz/226 g) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- 3 ½ – 4 cups (402–460 g) confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup (½ stick/57 g) butter, softened
- 2 tsp pure lemon extract
- 3–5 tbsps (45–75 mL) milk
Instructions
- Dough Preparation: Awaken yeast in warm water until frothy. Blend lemon cake mix, salt, flour, and vanilla extract into a unified dough, kneading gently until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Shield dough in a covered vessel, allowing it to expand and develop. Once doubled, gently deflate and permit a second proofing phase.
- Dough Shaping: Partition dough into two portions. Roll each section into a thin rectangular canvas, approximately 1/4 inch thick, on a lightly floured surface.
- Filling Creation: Lavish softened butter across dough’s surface. Combine white sugar, lemon zest, and instant pudding mix to craft a fragrant, zesty filling.
- Rolling Technique: Distribute sugar-zest mixture evenly over buttered dough. Tightly roll from the distant edge toward yourself, forming a compact cylindrical log.
- Portioning and Placement: Slice rolled dough into 12 consistent segments. Arrange pinwheels in a non-stick sprayed baking pan, repeating with remaining dough.
- Final Proofing: Allow rolls to expand, becoming puffy and voluminous before baking.
- Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake until rolls achieve a golden-brown hue, roughly 15-25 minutes.
- Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese, butter, and lemon extract into a silky mixture. Gradually incorporate confectioners’ sugar, adjusting consistency with milk as needed.
- Finishing Touch: Drape warm rolls with frosting, or for a more defined layer, allow cooling before application. Refrigerate any remaining rolls to preserve their delicate essence.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Tip: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F for optimal yeast performance, preventing potential dough failure.
- Dough Proofing Secret: Let dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to achieve maximum volume and soft, pillowy texture.
- Rolling Technique: Use a light touch when stretching dough to prevent tearing and maintain delicate, even thickness.
- Frosting Consistency Hack: Add milk gradually to create a spreadable frosting that complements the lemon rolls’ delicate flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg