Description

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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Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a bowl, dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add sugar, melted butter, egg, salt, and lemon zest. Mix well.
Gradually add flour and knead for 7–10 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.
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

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

Step 3: Roll Out & Fill the Dough

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

Step 4: Slice and Proof

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

Step 5: Bake

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

Step 6: Add the Glaze

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

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American / European-Inspired