Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft, these Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are the ultimate spring-inspired treat. With a tender, pillowy dough wrapped around a lemony poppy seed filling and topped with a light citrus glaze, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want to bring a little sunshine to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Pillowy – The dough is buttery and perfectly fluffy.
Burst of Lemon Flavor – Zest, juice, and glaze deliver triple the citrus.
Beautiful to Serve – They look as amazing as they taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the night before for easy mornings.
Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Easter, Mother’s Day, or weekend brunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• ½ tsp salt

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: extra lemon zest for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking dish or round cake pan
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk warm milk with sugar and sprinkle in yeast.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough
3. Add melted butter, egg, vanilla, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
4. Gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms.
5. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic (by hand or with a dough hook).
6. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling
7. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.
8. Stir until creamy and well combined.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough
9. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
10. Spread lemon poppy seed filling evenly over the dough.
11. Roll up tightly from the long side, then slice into 12 even rolls.

Step 5: Second Rise
12. Place rolls in a greased baking dish. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
13. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 6: Bake the Rolls
14. Bake for 22–26 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
15. Let cool slightly while you make the glaze.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve
16. In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.
17. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with extra zest if desired.
18. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Sweet Rolls
Use Fresh Lemons – Fresh zest and juice make the flavor pop.
Don’t Overbake – Bake just until golden to keep them soft.
Even Slicing – Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut clean rolls.
Chill Overnight – Assemble and chill before the second rise to bake in the morning.
Let Them Cool Slightly – Glaze sticks better when rolls aren’t too hot.

Serving Suggestions
With Coffee or Tea – A perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.
For Brunch – Pair with fruit salad, quiche, or yogurt parfaits.
As a Dessert – Serve with whipped cream or lemon curd.
For Gifting – Bake in foil pans, glaze, and wrap in ribbon.
Make Mini Rolls – Great for parties and bite-sized treats.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheat:
Microwave – Warm rolls for 10–15 seconds for fresh-from-the-oven texture.
Oven – Reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes, covered with foil.

Freeze:
Freeze unglazed rolls tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then glaze before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast?
Yes! Skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the flour.

2. Can I make them dairy-free?
Substitute with plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

3. Can I prep them the night before?
Absolutely. After shaping, cover and refrigerate overnight. Let rise for 30–45 minutes before baking.

4. What’s the best way to get a strong lemon flavor?
Use both zest and juice—zest brings the aroma, and juice adds brightness.

Final Thoughts

These Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are the perfect blend of soft, tangy, and sweet. With their golden edges, tender centers, and citrus glaze, they’re an instant mood-lifter—ideal for slow mornings, festive brunches, or simply treating yourself.

Bake a batch and let the sunshine in—one bright, zesty bite at a time!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American – Sweet Breads

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, 12 servings):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Sodium: 180mg

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