Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls Recipe

A single lemon poppy seed sweet roll on a white plate.

4.78 from 9 votes

Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls Recipe

Soft, golden, and drizzled with glaze, these Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls are a delicious homemade treat. The citrus flavor makes them perfect for spring, brunch, or whenever you want something sweet.

Prep Time1

Cook Time25

Total Time1 25

Course: Rolls

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: rolls

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Andrea

Ingredients

2 ¾ cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp butter
1 large egg
1 pkg yeast
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons poppy seeds

For the Filling

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter room temperature
2 medium lemons zested
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
4 oz cream cheese room temperature
1/4 cup whole milk

Instructions

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.
In a small microwave-safe bowl (or glass measuring cup), combine the sugar, butter, water, and milk. Heat in the microwave until the mixture is hot and the butter is almost melted (about 1 minute and 30 seconds on HIGH in my microwave). Gradually add the milk mixture to the flour mixture. Add the egg and poppy seeds. Mix until a soft and sticky dough forms.
If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and set it on the lowest mixing setting for 4 minutes or until the dough becomes elastic, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for 3-4 minutes. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and allow it to rest on the counter for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius).
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it measures a 16x9-inch rectangle. Prepare the filling by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl except for the butter. Spread the butter over the top of the rolled dough, then cover it with the filling. Tightly roll the dough and cut it into 12 slices. I like to use dental floss for this… I also cut it in half, then fourths, etc. That way, my pieces are uniform in size.
Place the rolls in a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish and gently press a piece of aluminum foil over the top. Turn OFF your oven and place the covered rolls inside to rise. My rolls took 45 minutes to double in size, but they could take up to 1 hour.
Remove the rolls from the oven and turn ON your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius). Once heated, bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until the centers are lightly golden brown. To prevent over-browning, use that same aluminum foil to cover the rolls halfway through baking.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 15 minutes before frosting. While the rolls are cooling, prepare the frosting by combining all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and beating by hand or with a hand mixer until smooth. Spread over the tops of the rolls and garnish with additional lemon zest, if desired.

Notes

-Fresh fruit, such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries, can be used in the filling.

STORE Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To FREEZE, bake the rolls first but leave them unfrosted. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for a few months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then REHEAT in the oven until warm. Prepare fresh frosting and spread it over the rolls after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

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