Soft, pillowy cinnamon sugar rolls filled with a tangy, smooth lemon cream. These rolls melt in your mouth and are perfect for brunch, holidays, or a sweet treat any time.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 15 minutes
Yield:12 rolls 1x
Category:Breakfast, Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup whole milk, warm
1/4 cup water, warm
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, water, melted butter, and egg. Mix and knead into a soft dough. Cover and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
Roll dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture (granulated sugar and cinnamon).
Roll the dough tightly and slice into individual rolls.
Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly.
Meanwhile, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Slice baked rolls in half and spread or pipe the lemon cream filling inside. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Let the lemon cream chill before piping for cleaner results.
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for an even fluffier texture.
Can be made ahead and reheated before serving — still delicious!
Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar before serving for added texture and flavor.