Sourdough lemon sugar rolls.
Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, offering a bright and tangy flavor perfect for the spring season. In this article, I will guide you through the process of creating these fluffy, citrus-infused treats using a sourdough starter. From developing the starter to rolling out the dough and filling it with zesty lemon sugar, you’ll learn all the steps needed to bake up a batch of these irresistible rolls. Get ready to elevate your baking game with this refreshing and flavorful recipe that will surely become a favorite for springtime gatherings and brunches.
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Introduction to Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls
What are Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls?
Picture this: fluffy, tangy sourdough rolls infused with zesty lemon and sweet sugar, perfect for welcoming the spring season with open arms! While classic cinnamon rolls rule the holiday and winter season, these decadent lemon sugar rolls rule the spring season!
Benefits of Using Sourdough Starter
Using sourdough starter in your rolls not only adds a delightful tangy flavor, but also helps with digestion and makes the bread easier to digest. Plus, it’s like having a little sourdough pet that you can feed and watch grow. Who doesn’t want a tiny edible buddy?
Creating the Sourdough Starter
Gathering Ingredients
Before you can embark on the sourdough journey, gather flour, water, and a touch of patience. If you don’t already have a sourdough starter, don’t worry, it is easy to make and I have a guide to help you in these links!
The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Perfectly Tangy Wild Sourdough Starter
Everything You Will Need for Sourdough Bread Baking
Mixing and Fermenting the Starter
Mix your flour and water, give it some love, and let it ferment like a fine wine (but in a jar on your kitchen counter). Your starter will bubble and grow, creating a living ecosystem of wild yeast.
Preparing the Dough
Ingredients for the Dough
What you will need:
- Active sourdough starter.
- Softened butter.
- Whole milk.
- Sugar.
- Salt.
- All-purpose flour.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Mix and knead your ingredients until they come together really well. Let the dough rise and develop its flavors, about 8 hours (perfect for overnight!)
Adding the Lemon Sugar Filling
Now, let’s add that zesty lemon sugar filling to take things up a notch!
Ingredients for the Filling
- Granulated sugar.
- Zest of 2 lemons.
- Melted butter.
Rolling and Shaping the Rolls
Spread the melted butter over your dough, then sprinkle on the granulated sugar and lemon zest.
Rolling Out the Dough
Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
Shaping the Rolls
Slice the rolled dough into equal-sized pieces to create your sweet lemony spirals.
Baking and Serving the Rolls
It’s almost time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Let’s get these delicious delectables baked and ready to be devoured.
Baking Instructions
Place your lemon sugar rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and smelling irresistible.
Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting
What you will need:
- Unsalted butter, softened.
- Cream cheese brick, softened.
- Vanilla extract.
- Lemon juice.
- Salt.
- Powdered sugar.
Place the butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and powdered sugar in your Kitchen Aid and whip until frosting consistency.
Spread evenly over baked rolls and enjoy!
This cream cheese lemon frosting is so good! I could not stop tasting it!
Serving and Storage Recommendations
Serve these delightful rolls warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of icing, or just as they are. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, although let’s be real, they probably won’t last that long!
Tips for Success
You’ve made it this far, but here are some extra nuggets of wisdom to ensure your sourdough lemon sugar rolls are nothing short of perfection.
Properly Maintaining Sourdough Starter
Keep your sourdough starter happy and bubbly by feeding it regularly and storing it in the fridge when not in use. A happy starter means delicious rolls!
Adjusting Baking Time and Temperature
Every oven is a unique beast, so keep an eye on your rolls while they bake. Adjust the time and temperature as needed to achieve that perfect golden hue and fluffy texture.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix things up with your sourdough lemon sugar rolls. Here are a couple of ideas to spark your imagination.
Exploring Different Fillings
From creamy cheesecake to fruity jams, the filling possibilities are endless. Experiment with different flavors to find your perfect match. I have provided some other recipes rolls you may enjoy!
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Rolls: Recipe for Beginners
How to Make Delicious Sourdough Peanut Butter and Jelly Rolls
Incorporating Additional Ingredients for Flavor
Get wild and toss in some nuts, dried fruits, or even a hint of spice to elevate the flavor profile of your rolls. The only limit is your imagination (and maybe your pantry).
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the art of making Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls can be a rewarding and delicious experience. From the initial creation of the sourdough starter to the final golden-brown rolls emerging from the oven, this recipe offers a delightful balance of sourdough tanginess and lemony sweetness. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for later indulgence, these rolls are sure to bring a burst of springtime flavor to your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joys of sourdough baking, and treat yourself to a taste of sunshine with these delightful lemon sugar rolls.
Resources: Here are some helpful resources for further information.
- Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing – By Half Baked Harvest
- Lemon Rolls – By Buttermilk by Sam
- Lemon Sweet Rolls (The Best!) – By Butter Be Ready
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these rolls without a sourdough starter?
Sure, you can definitely make rolls without using a sourdough starter! While sourdough adds a unique flavor and texture to breads, it’s not essential for making delicious rolls. Instead of using a sourdough starter, you can opt for instant yeast or active dry yeast to leaven your dough. Simply mix the yeast with warm water, sugar, and flour before allowing it to proof and rise. This will give your rolls that fluffy texture and airy crumb that we all love. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding herbs, cheese, or even fruits to your dough. So go ahead and give it a try – you don’t need a sourdough starter to whip up a batch of tasty rolls!
2. How long does it take to prepare the sourdough starter for this recipe?
In order to activate the wild yeast in the flour, you’ll need to combine equal parts water and flour in a jar or container and let it sit at room temperature for a few days. During this time, you’ll need to feed the starter by adding more flour and water daily to keep the fermentation process going strong. This may seem like a lengthy process, but trust me, it’s totally worth it for that delicious tangy flavor that comes with using sourdough in your recipes. Just be patient and make sure to follow all the steps carefully, and before you know it, your sourdough starter will be ready to use in all sorts of amazing breads and baked goods!
3. Can I substitute the lemon sugar filling with other flavors?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the lemon sugar filling with other flavors in your recipe. The great thing about baking is that you have the freedom to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Some popular alternatives to lemon sugar filling could be raspberry, blueberry, or even a classic vanilla custard. Just keep in mind that when substituting flavors, you may need to adjust the sweetness level or add additional ingredients to maintain the right consistency and balance of flavors. Feel free to play around with different combinations until you find the perfect one that suits your taste preferences.
4. What is the best way to store leftover Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls?
The best way to store leftover Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan on keeping them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To freeze, wrap the rolls individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let the rolls thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This will help keep the rolls fresh and tasty until you’re ready to indulge once more in their tangy lemon flavor and fluffy sourdough texture!
Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls Recipe
Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough
- ½ cup active sourdough starter.
- ¼ cup butter, softened.
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk.
- 1 tbsp sugar.
- 1 tsp salt.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour.
Ingredients for the Filling
- ½ cup granulated sugar.
- 2 lemons zest.
- 2 tbsp melted butter.
For the Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened.
- 8 oz brick cream cheese, softended.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- ¼ tsp salt.
- 4 cups powdered sugar.
Instructions
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
- Mix and knead your ingredients until they come together really well.
- Let the dough rise and develop its flavors.
Rolling and Shaping the Rolls
- Spread the melted butter over your dough, then sprinkle on the granulated sugar and lemon zest.
- Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.
- Slice the rolled dough into equal-sized pieces to create your sweet lemony spirals.
Baking and Serving the Rolls
- Place your lemon sugar rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until they're golden brown and smelling irresistible.
Frosting the Rolls
- Place the butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt, and powdered sugar in your Kitchen Aid and whip until frosting consistency.
- Spread evenly over baked rolls and enjoy!
Summary
I hope I have inspired you to make some sourdough lemon sugar rolls to enjoy and share with your friends and family.
If you were encouraged by this post, I invite you to check out my FREE Printables Page for fun free printables, planners, and charts.
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Here are some more of my bread-making inspiration posts to check out!
Everything You Will Need for Sourdough Bread Baking
How to Make Sourdough Tortillas
How to Make Sourdough Calzones
Pizza Dough: How to Make Sourdough Pizza Dough
Scones: How to Make Easy Sourdough Discard Scones
Pumpkin Rolls: How to Make Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Rolls
Breadsticks: How to Make Easy Sourdough Breadsticks
Sourdough Discard Fry Bread: Easy Sourdough Discard Hack
Sourdough Buttermilk Drop Biscuits: The Ultimate Secret to Easy Biscuits!
How to Make Apple Fritter Bread: A Perfect Fall Treat
How to Make the Perfect Pumpkin-Shaped Sourdough Bread from Scratch
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe That Will Satisfy Your Fall Cravings
The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread Recipe: Tips for a Perfect Bake
How to Turn Stale Bread into Irresistible Breadcrumbs!
The Best Fall Maple Sourdough Bread Recipe
The Ultimate Guide to Making Sourdough Bread from Scratch
The Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Perfectly Tangy Wild Sourdough Starter
Artisan Bread: How to Make Artisan Bread
Challah Bread: How to Make a 6 Braided Challah Bread
Sweet Bread: How to Make Sweet Bread
Blessings,
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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