I used to firmly believe that the pinnacle of celebratory breakfast was the homemade cinnamon roll. That was, however, before I had the lemon version. It's beyond delightful, and so much more fun than cinnamon. Move over cinnamon rolls, I'm replacing you with lemon sticky rolls!
Make the Dough
Things You’ll Need
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4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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2 ½ teaspoons (1 envelope) rapid rise yeast
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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¾ cup milk, warmed to 120°F
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½ cup softened butter
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon salt
Tip
Yeast is a beast! Always defer to the liquid temperature listed on the package of yeast, regardless of what the recipe says. Your yeast package says 105°F? Heat the milk to that temperature!
Step 1: Start the Dough
Add the flour, yeast, sugar, lemon zest, eggs, and warm milk to a stand mixer. Mix until most of the dough has been moistened.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the butter, vanilla and salt. Continue to beat until the dough is no longer sticky and gathers around the hook, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Rise
Add dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl. Cover and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Step 4: Roll
Add dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a large rectangle about 9×13 inches in size.
Make the Filling
Things You’ll Need
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1 cup granulated sugar
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¼ cup light brown sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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2 teaspoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon salt
Step 1: Stir the Filling
Add all the ingredients to a bowl, stir until well combined.
Step 2: Spread the Filling
Spread the filling evenly across the dough.
Step 3: Roll and Cut
Starting with the long end, roll the dough tightly into a long log. Cut into 12 rolls about 1 ½ inches wide.
Step 4: Add to a Pan
Add the rolls tightly into a baking dish, cut-side up.
Tip
Want to make these in advance? Stop here! Wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The second rise will take place in the fridge. Just take the pan out of the fridge about a hour before you want to bake to help them return to room temperature.
Step 5: Rise
Allow to rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F until golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Make the Frosting
Things You’ll Need
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4 ounces cream cheese, softened
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½ cup butter, softened
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2 cups powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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½ teaspoon salt
Step 1: Beat the Frosting
Beat together the butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add in the remaining ingredients, then beat until light and creamy.
Step 2: Frost and Serve!
