Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls

If you’re a fan of bright citrus flavor and soft, buttery pastries, these Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are a must-try. Imagine the zing of fresh lemon, the gentle crunch of poppy seeds, and soft pillowy dough all swirled together and finished with a tangy lemon glaze. These rolls are the perfect addition to your brunch table, afternoon tea, or a cozy morning treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Airy – Perfectly soft sweet rolls that rise beautifully and stay tender.
Bursting with Lemon – Fresh lemon juice, zest, and glaze add bright, tangy flavor.
Beautiful Texture – The poppy seeds give a subtle crunch in every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare ahead and bake fresh in the morning.
Great for Any Occasion – Ideal for brunch, Easter, Mother’s Day, or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Lemon Poppy Seed Filling:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon zest (from 2–3 lemons)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp poppy seeds

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp milk or cream (optional, for consistency)

Optional Garnish:

• Extra lemon zest
• A sprinkle of poppy seeds

Tools You’ll Need

• Stand mixer with dough hook or mixing bowl and wooden spoon
• Rolling pin
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Zester or fine grater
• Knife or dental floss (for cutting rolls)
• Small mixing bowl for glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm milk, eggs, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
5. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and poppy seeds until well combined.
6. Set aside at room temperature while the dough rises.

Step 3: Roll Out and Fill the Dough
7. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
8. Roll into a 16×12 inch rectangle.
9. Spread the lemon poppy seed filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice
10. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
11. Slice into 12 equal rolls using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss.
12. Place rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise
13. Cover and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
Overnight Option: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, let rise at room temp for 45–60 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake
14. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
15. Bake the rolls for 25–28 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through.
16. Allow to cool slightly before glazing.

Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
17. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and milk (if needed) to form a thick but pourable glaze.
18. Drizzle over warm rolls and top with a sprinkle of extra zest or poppy seeds.
19. Serve warm and enjoy every zesty, fluffy bite!

Tips for the Best Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the dough rise evenly and creates a soft texture.
Zest First – Always zest lemons before juicing for maximum flavor.
Don’t Overbake – Bake until just golden; overbaking will dry them out.
Let the Glaze Sink In – Glazing while warm lets the flavor soak into the rolls.
Make It Your Own – Add a layer of cream cheese under the filling for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions
Brunch Spread – Serve with fresh fruit, eggs, and a smoothie for a complete meal.
Coffee or Tea – A cup of Earl Grey or iced coffee pairs perfectly.
Holiday Treat – These rolls are great for special mornings like Easter or birthdays.
Gifting – Wrap in a bakery box with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 days.
Refrigerate: Up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months (unfrosted is best).

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one roll at a time for 20–30 seconds until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these dairy-free?
   Yes! Use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, and adjust the glaze as needed.
2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?
   Yes, just proof it in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar for 5–10 minutes before adding to the dough.
3. Can I add a cream cheese glaze instead?
   Absolutely. It’s a rich alternative that pairs beautifully with lemon.
4. How do I know the rolls are fully baked?
   The tops should be lightly golden, and the center roll should spring back slightly when pressed.

Final Thoughts
Fluffy Lemon Poppy Seed Sweet Rolls are the ultimate spring or summer treat—soft, bright, and full of sunshine in every swirl. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these rolls deliver citrusy joy in every bite.

Bake a batch today and let me know how they turn out! Share your photos online or leave a review—I’d love to see your sweet lemony creations.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Cooking Time: 28 minutes
Cuisine: American with a citrus twist

Nutritional Information (Per Roll):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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