If you have a soft spot for bright, zesty flavors wrapped up in tender, pillowy dough, then you are going to adore this Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe. These rolls are an absolute joy to make and even better to eat, bursting with luscious lemon curd that cuts beautifully through the sweet, fluffy bread. Whether you’re after a perfect brunch treat or a cheerful dessert, this recipe brings that sunny citrus spark to your table, creating a homemade experience that feels just as special as a bakery find.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role, combining to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color. Gather these simple, yet essential components to set yourself up for a delicious success.
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the tart lemon curd perfectly.
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast: Ensures your rolls rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup whole milk (warmed): Adds moisture and richness for a soft crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings tenderness and a hint of buttery flavor.
- 1 large egg: Contributes to the dough’s structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note that rounds out the lemon’s brightness.
- 1 cup lemon curd: The star filling—smooth, tangy, and sweet, whether store-bought or homemade.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Base for a sweet, creamy glaze.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Gives the glaze a fresh citrus punch.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps to achieve the perfect glaze consistency.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a pretty contrast on top.
How to Make Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing 2 cups of flour with the sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl—this dry mixture forms the base for your dough’s texture and rise. Next, add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing everything into a smooth blend. Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, working it in until a soft dough forms that’s easy to handle but still slightly sticky. Knead this dough either by hand or with a stand mixer for 8 to 10 minutes until it feels elastic and silky to the touch. Then, place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover it loosely, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this usually takes about an hour, and it’s when the magic of yeast happens.
Step 2: Roll and Fill
Once your dough has beautifully risen, punch it down gently to release the air and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10 by 15-inch rectangle — this shape will make rolling and slicing straightforward, ensuring even, pretty rolls. Spread a full cup of that luscious lemon curd evenly over the dough, but make sure to leave a little border around the edges to keep everything contained. Roll the dough up tightly from the long edge — this rolling action traps the lemon curd into swirls of flavor. Then slice the roll into 12 generous pieces and arrange them snugly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover once again, and let the rolls rise for 30 to 45 minutes until they’re puffed and ready to bake.
Step 3: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake these divine rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until their tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell that fills your kitchen will be unbelievable—a wonderful hint of buttery dough and bright citrus mingling together.
Step 4: Glaze and Finish
While your rolls cool just a bit to avoid melting the glaze to a mess, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest to create a glossy, tangy icing that brings it all together. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm rolls. The glaze adds the perfect sweetness and an extra pop of lemon goodness.
How to Serve Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty presentation, sprinkle a few extra strips of lemon zest or tiny edible flowers on top of the glazed rolls. A light dusting of powdered sugar is also a charming touch that adds a delicate, snow-kissed look. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing color contrast and aroma, making each bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls shine brightly on their own, but if you want to round out the experience, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a lightly sweetened yogurt for contrast. A cup of strong coffee or a bright, citrusy tea pairs beautifully, enhancing the lemon’s tartness while balancing the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the rolls on a tiered cake stand for a charming brunch centerpiece, or serve each roll warm with a small dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese on the side. For a playful twist, cut the rolls in half horizontally and use them to make mini lemon curd sandwiches for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the rolls soft and fresh, so you can enjoy that same warm, tender texture later on without any fuss.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, freeze the baked rolls after they’ve completely cooled. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a little taste of sunshine whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your rolls back to life, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. If frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge first for the best texture. Add an extra drizzle of glaze after reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven glow.
FAQs
Can I use homemade lemon curd for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade lemon curd adds an extra bright, fresh flavor that really makes these rolls shine. If you have the time, making your own is highly rewarding and delicious.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can substitute 2% or even skim milk if needed, though whole milk helps create a richer, softer crumb. Adding a tablespoon of butter can compensate if using lower-fat milk.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk for a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The rolls will still turn out tasty and soft.
How do I make sure the rolls rise properly?
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot when mixing the dough and that your yeast isn’t expired. Letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot helps create perfect puffiness.
Can I add cream cheese to the glaze?
Definitely! Adding cream cheese to the glaze makes it tangier and even more luscious. It’s a brilliant way to jazz up the Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe and give your glaze a little extra richness.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe is one of those special treats that fills your kitchen with sunshine and your heart with joy. The combination of tender dough and tangy lemon curd is simply irresistible, making it a perfect recipe to share with loved ones or savor quietly with a morning coffee. Don’t hesitate to give this flavorful, charming recipe a whirl — it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll return to time and time again.
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Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Lemon Curd Sweet Rolls, featuring a tender, fluffy dough filled with tangy lemon curd and finished with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat, these rolls combine the bright flavors of citrus with a soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. Gradually add the remaining flour 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes, either by hand or using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 10×15-inch rectangle. Spread the lemon curd evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log shape and slice it into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Arrange the rolls evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, until puffy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 22 to 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the glaze: While the rolls cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth to create the glaze.
- Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For the brightest and freshest flavor, use homemade lemon curd.
- You can prepare the rolls the night before; after slicing and placing in the baking dish, refrigerate and bake in the morning.
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the glaze for a tangy twist that complements the lemon perfectly.
