Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfection

Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these swirls of citrusy delight! Imagine biting into a warm, pillowy roll, the tangy lemon cream cheese filling melting in your mouth. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. These aren’t just any rolls; they’re a taste of sunshine, perfect for brightening any morning or adding a touch of elegance to your afternoon tea.

While the exact origins of cream cheese rolls are debated, the combination of enriched dough and creamy fillings has been a beloved baking tradition for generations. The addition of lemon, however, elevates this classic to a whole new level. Lemon has long been prized in baking for its ability to cut through richness and add a refreshing zest. It’s a flavor that evokes memories of sun-drenched orchards and homemade goodness.

What makes these Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the soft, yielding dough against the smooth, creamy filling. They’re surprisingly easy to make, too, making them ideal for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch centerpiece or a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will become a new family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm milk (110-115°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed, which is crucial for proper yeast activation.
2. Activate the Yeast: In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This step confirms that the yeast is alive and active. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need to get a fresh batch.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture, melted butter, and beaten eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
4. Mix the Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix on low speed until the dough comes together. Then, increase the speed to medium and knead for 6-8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10-12 minutes. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens! The yeast is working hard to create those airy pockets that make the rolls so delicious.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. Cream Together: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and butter together until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are truly softened; otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps in your filling.
2. Add Egg Yolk and Flavorings: Beat in the egg yolk, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until well combined. The egg yolk adds richness and helps bind the filling together, while the lemon zest and vanilla extract provide that signature flavor.
3. Set Aside: Cover the bowl and set aside until ready to assemble the rolls.

Assembling and Baking the Rolls:

1. Punch Down the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air.
2. Roll Out the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches. Try to keep the rectangle as even as possible for uniform rolls.
3. Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
4. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal slices. I find that dental floss creates a cleaner cut and prevents the rolls from getting squished.
6. Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy. This second rise is crucial for achieving that soft, pillowy texture.
7. Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Bake the Rolls: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil.
9. Cool Slightly: Let the rolls cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes before frosting.

Preparing the Lemon Glaze:

1. Whisk Together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the rolls but thin enough to drizzle easily.
2. Glaze the Rolls: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
3. Serve: Serve the lemon cream cheese rolls warm and enjoy! They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Tips for Success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially for the cream cheese filling, will ensure a smoother and more even mixture.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the rolls will result in a dry and tough texture. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are golden brown.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
• Add a Tangy Twist: For an extra tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cream cheese filling.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the unbaked rolls after the second rise. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Variations:

• Orange Cream Cheese Rolls: Substitute orange zest and orange juice for the lemon zest and lemon juice in both the filling and the glaze.
• Berry Cream Cheese Rolls: Add fresh or frozen berries to the cream cheese filling before rolling up the dough.
• Nutella Cream Cheese Rolls: Spread a thin layer of Nutella over the dough before adding the cream cheese filling.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls is truly a must-try, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household. The combination of the tangy lemon, the creamy richness of the cheese, and the soft, pillowy dough creates an irresistible symphony of flavors and textures. It’s the kind of treat that brightens up any morning, elevates a simple brunch, or satisfies a sweet craving any time of day. But what truly sets these rolls apart is their versatility. While they are absolutely divine as is, fresh from the oven with that glistening glaze, there are so many ways to customize them to your liking. For a more intense lemon flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest directly into the dough. If you’re a fan of berries, consider incorporating fresh blueberries or raspberries into the cream cheese filling for a burst of fruity sweetness that complements the lemon beautifully. Looking for serving suggestions? These Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls are perfect alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit, yogurt, and maybe even some savory breakfast items like bacon or sausage. For a truly decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the contrast of temperatures and flavors is simply heavenly! And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, you could substitute it with mascarpone for a slightly lighter and sweeter flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the topping for a bit of crunch. You could even swap out the lemon for other citrus fruits, like orange or grapefruit, for a completely different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless! I know that baking can sometimes seem intimidating, but trust me, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner bakers. The steps are straightforward, and the results are well worth the effort. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these rolls bake is simply intoxicating! I poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe that you’ll love it as much as I do. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of baking these incredible Lemon Cream Cheese Rolls. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and create your own delicious memories with it. Once you’ve had a chance to bake them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any substitutions? Did you serve them with anything special? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking!

Print