Creamy Lemon Sweet Rolls with Lemon Curd 🍋 – Black Foodie Finder

Soft, Gooey Sweet Rolls Bursting with Fresh Lemon

These Creamy Lemon Sweet Rolls by Aaron Dodson of Be Greedy Eats give classic cinnamon rolls a bright, citrusy makeover. A homemade yeast dough is filled with fresh lemon sugar, softened butter, and cream cheese, creating buttery, tangy, sweet layers without letting the sugar overpower the lemon.

Before baking, Aaron pours heavy cream over the proofed rolls for an extra-soft, gooey texture. Once they’re out of the oven, Aaron takes them even further with lemon curd and a creamy lemon glaze made with cream cheese, fresh lemon juice, and zest. The result is a rich but refreshing sweet roll that’s made for lemon lovers.

Makes about 12 rolls

Ingredients

For the Yeast Dough

• 1 cup whole milk, warm
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Filling

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp salt

For Finishing

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sweet Roll Dough

• Prepare the yeast dough with the warm milk, active dry yeast, flour, sugar, salt, softened butter, and eggs.
• Knead until a soft dough forms, then cover and allow it to rise until puffy.

2. Make the Lemon Filling

• Rub the granulated sugar and fresh lemon zest together to create a fragrant lemon sugar.
• Combine with the salt, softened butter, and cream cheese for the filling.

3. Fill & Shape the Rolls

• Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle and spread the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the surface.
• Roll the dough up and cut into approximately 12 rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.

4. Proof & Add the Cream

• Arrange the rolls in a baking dish, cover, and allow them to rise again until noticeably puffy.
• Pour the 1 cup heavy cream over the rolls just before baking.

5. Bake & Make the Glaze

• Bake the rolls until the dough is cooked through and the tops are golden.
• Meanwhile, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until creamy.

6. Glaze & Finish

• Top the warm sweet rolls with lemon curd, then generously spread or drizzle with the creamy lemon glaze.
• Serve warm.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Rub the lemon zest into the sugar to release more of its fragrant citrus oils.
• Use a sharp knife or unflavored floss to cut evenly sized rolls.
• Let the shaped rolls become nice and puffy before baking.
• Pour the heavy cream over the rolls right before they go into the oven.

About the Creator

This recipe is by Aaron Dodson, the creator behind @begreedyeats and Be Greedy Eats. Known for indulgent comfort food and creative homemade desserts, Aaron brings big flavor and plenty of personality to recipes designed to make you want another serving.

Aaron Dodson | @begreedyeats