Ingredients
The following ingredients have 12 Servings
- 2 and 3/4 cups (344g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
- 3 Tablespoons (45g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package Platinum Yeast from Red Star or any instant yeast (1 packet = 2 and 1/4 teaspoons)*
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk*
- 2 and 1/2 Tablespoons (40g) unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- zest of 2 medium lemons*
- seeds scraped from 1/2 of a vanilla bean (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 4 ounces (112g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- juice of two medium lemons*
- optional: extra lemon zest for garnish
Instruction
- Set aside 1/2 cup of flour. In a large bowl, toss the 2 and 1/4 cups flour, the sugar, salt, and yeast together until evenly dispersed. Set aside.
- Heat the water, milk, and butter together in the microwave until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot to touch. About 115°F (46°C). Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and only enough of the reserved flour to make a soft dough. I only needed 1/3 cup, but you may need the full 1/2 cup. Dough will be ready when it gently pulls away from the side of the bowl and has an elastic consistency.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl (I used non-stick spray) and let rest for about 10 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Stir it around until the mixture becomes sandy. Some juices may be excreted from the lemon zest; that’s ok.
- After the dough has sat for 10 minutes, roll it out into a 14×8 inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter on top. Sprinkle the lemon sugar filling all over. Roll up the dough tightly. Cut into 11-12 even pieces and place in a lightly greased 9-inch round pan. I used a pie dish, lightly sprayed with nonstick spray. Sprinkle uncooked rolls with additional lemon zest at this point, if desired.
- Loosely cover the rolls with aluminum foil and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60-90 minutes. Here is what I do: heat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Turn oven off. Place rolls inside oven and allow to rise.
- After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until lightly browned. I covered the rolls with aluminum foil after 15 minutes to avoid heavy browning.
- Right before serving, top your sweet rolls with the cream cheese frosting. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice and beat on medium-high until creamy. Frost warm rolls and sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired.
- Rolls are best enjoyed the same day, but stay fresh and soft in a covered container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 5 days. Rolls (with or without frosting) freeze well, up to about 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and heat up however you prefer.