Lemon Sweet Rolls

What makes these rolls stand out is the way the lemon flavor is layered throughout. By incorporating Amoretti® Lemon Zest Oil Extract into the dough, every bite carries a natural, vibrant citrus note that tastes clean and authentic. It doesn’t overpower. It enhances. As the rolls bake, the aroma is light, warm, and inviting, filling your kitchen with a subtle sweetness that hints at what’s to come.

The finishing touch is where everything comes together. A smooth, creamy icing made with Amoretti® Natural Lemon Artisan  is spread over the warm rolls, melting gently into every swirl. It adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the soft, buttery texture without masking the fresh lemon flavor.

The result is a batch of rolls that feel both comforting and refreshing at the same time, rich enough to be satisfying, yet bright enough to keep you coming back for another bite.

Ingredients

Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp. (1 packet) instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 egg, room temperature 
• 1 teaspoon Amoretti® Lemon Zest Oil Extract 

Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon zest lemon 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup butter

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  
• 1/4 cup milk 
• 2 teaspoon Amoretti® Natural Lemon Artisan 

Directions

For the Dough:

1. In a microwave safe bowl, warm the milk and butter for 30 seconds or until the mixture feels like lukewarm bathwater. If the mixture gets too hot, set it in the fridge for a few minutes to achieve the lukewarm temperature. You don't want to kill the yeast! 
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine warm milk and butter, 2 cups of all purpose-flour, granulated sugar, salt, instant yeast, egg, and Amoretti® Lemon Zest Oil Extract. Wisk until combined. 
3. Switch from a paddle to hook attachment & add the remaining 2 cups of flour. Give the dough a little mix with the hook before turning on the mixer. This helps start the process of getting everything combined without flour going everywhere. 
   
4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until its smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
   
5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

For the Filling:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
2. Stir until fully combined into a spreadable mixture.

Assembling the Rolls:

1. Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll into an 18x12-inch rectangle.
2. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.  
3. Starting at one of the long edges, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log.
4. Starting from a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log.
5. You should end up with 12 equal pieces.
6. Place the rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
7. Cover the rolls with a towel and let them rise for an additional hour, or until they have doubled in size.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, bake them for 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top.
   

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat cream cheese, butter, until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, Amoretti® Natural Lemon Artisan, and your milk, mixing until fully combined. 

Finishing Touch:

1. Once the rolls are done baking, allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before spreading the cream cheese frosting generously over the warm rolls.
2. Serve and enjoy!