Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

Bright, zesty, and irresistibly soft—these Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are like sunshine in every bite. Swirled with a lemony poppy seed filling and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, these rolls are a beautiful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls. Perfect for spring brunches, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something light, fluffy, and full of citrusy goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Fluffy Dough – Soft and pillowy, just like bakery rolls.
Bright Lemon Flavor – Zesty filling and tangy glaze in every bite.
Beautiful for Brunch – A pretty and delicious centerpiece.
Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy anytime.
Perfectly Balanced – Sweet, tangy, and just a little crunchy from poppy seeds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 450 g (3½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7 g or 2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 60 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 180 ml (¾ cup) warm milk
• 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Filling:

• 60 g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1½ tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: ½ tsp lemon zest for extra zing

Optional Topping:

• Extra poppy seeds or lemon zest for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowls
Rolling pin
9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan
Zester or grater
Pastry brush
Plastic wrap or towel
Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and knead for 7–10 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Poppy Seed Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds until smooth.
2. Set aside at room temperature.

Step 3: Roll Out & Fill the Dough

1. Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangle (about 30×40 cm / 12×16 inches).
2. Spread the lemon poppy seed filling evenly over the surface.
3. Roll up tightly from the long edge and pinch the seam to seal.

Step 4: Slice and Proof

1. Slice the log into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or floss.
2. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

1. Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle over warm rolls.
3. Garnish with lemon zest or poppy seeds if desired.

Tips for the Fluffiest Sweet Rolls
Use fresh yeast – Ensure it foams before mixing.
Don’t add too much flour – Dough should be soft, not stiff.
Let the dough rise fully – Patience gives the fluffiest results.
Use room temp butter for filling – Easier to spread and mix.
Glaze while warm – Helps it soak into the rolls slightly.

Serving Suggestions
With Hot Tea or Coffee – The lemon flavor pairs beautifully with black or green tea.
At Brunch – Serve alongside fruit salad and yogurt parfaits.
As a Dessert – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat.
Gift-Wrapped – Perfect for spring holidays, birthdays, or baby showers.
For Breakfast – Prep ahead and warm up for morning sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze unglazed rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before adding glaze.

Reheat:
Oven: 150°C (300°F) for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: 15–20 seconds per roll.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry?
   Yes, no need to proof—just mix directly with dry ingredients.
2. Can I make the dough ahead?
   Absolutely—prepare and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temp before baking.
3. What if I don’t have poppy seeds?
   Skip them or use chia seeds for a similar crunch.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, especially in the filling and glaze. The lemon flavor still shines through.

Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are a zesty, golden twist on a beloved classic. With their buttery texture, tangy lemon filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Bake a batch and brighten someone’s day—or your own!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Cuisine: American / European-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Roll, 1 of 12):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 36g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g

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