If you have a soft spot for bright, zesty treats that melt in your mouth, this Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with luscious lemon curd and a burst of fresh lemon zest, all drizzled with a tangy lemon glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. These rolls are a perfect harmony of citrus and sweetness, bringing sunshine to your breakfast table or afternoon coffee break and making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that work magic together. Each component is there for a reason, whether it’s building that soft dough, adding rich flavor, or providing a perfect glaze finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise, making the rolls fluffy and airy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of the lemon curd.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness in the dough.
- Whole milk: Contributes moisture and richness to the dough’s texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for a richer taste and tender crumb.
- Large eggs: Enrich the dough, giving it body and color.
- Lemon curd: The star filling, providing that signature tangy sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of fresh citrus flavor, intensifying the lemony goodness.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding smooth sweetness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and zing to the glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Make Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour with yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Warm the milk and butter just enough to melt the butter, then combine this warm mixture with eggs before beating it into the flour blend. Gradually stir in the remaining flour until you have a soft dough that’s a bit sticky but manageable.
Step 2: Knead and let the dough rise
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic – this step is key for that beautifully soft texture. Then, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, which usually takes about an hour.
Step 3: Shape and fill the rolls
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and roll it into a 10 by 15-inch rectangle. Spread a generous layer of lemon curd all over, then sprinkle the lemon zest evenly on top. Roll the dough tightly starting from the long edge to create a classic spiral, then cut into 12 even slices.
Step 4: Second rise and baking
Place the cut rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and cover them for another 30 minutes so they can puff up beautifully. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes until golden brown on top and irresistibly fragrant.
Step 5: Prepare the glaze and serve
While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until smooth and just thin enough to drizzle. Pour this zesty glaze over warm rolls to add a luscious finish that pulls everything together.
How to Serve Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh look and extra pop of flavor, dust the rolls with a little extra powdered sugar or add thin curls of lemon zest on top of the glaze. A few fresh mint leaves can bring a lovely contrast visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
These rolls pair wonderfully with a cup of bright, citrusy tea or a rich cappuccino, making them ideal for a leisurely weekend brunch. If you want something heartier, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, make mini versions of these rolls for a party platter or bake them in individual muffin tins to create “roll muffins.” You can also layer lemon curd between layers in a bread pudding inspired from this recipe for dessert innovation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, making second-day rolls even more enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to preserve these rolls longer, freeze them without the glaze. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before warming.
Reheating
To revive the rolls, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds. Then, drizzle fresh glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar to freshen them up.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon curd for this Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd adds a beautifully fresh and vibrant flavor that takes these rolls to the next level. Store-bought works well too when you’re short on time.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil in place of butter to keep it vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?
Look for a golden brown top and a delightful lemon aroma filling your kitchen. You can also gently tap the center roll – it should sound hollow when done.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely! After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, shape, fill, and bake as directed for fresh rolls without the morning rush.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover rolls?
Oven reheating at low temperature restores softness and warms the glaze nicely. A quick microwave boost is perfect for convenience but might slightly soften the crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so uplifting about the bright, tangy zing of lemon combined with the comforting softness of sweet rolls, making this Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe an absolute delight to bake and enjoy. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these rolls are sure to brighten any day and become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Go ahead, give them a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls, featuring a soft, fluffy dough filled with tangy lemon curd and topped with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, these rolls combine bright citrus flavors with a tender, buttery texture that’s sure to brighten your day.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk (more if needed for thinning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt. In a small saucepan, warm the milk and butter until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm but not hot. Add the warm milk mixture and eggs to the flour mixture and beat until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Rolls: After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon curd evenly over the dough, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22–25 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls and serve them freshly baked for the best taste.
Notes
- For a richer dough, replace whole milk with half-and-half or add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Homemade lemon curd provides the best flavor, but store-bought lemon curd works well too.
- These rolls can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight before baking to save time on the day of serving.
