How to Make Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls

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Sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

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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.

Image illustrates a Pinterest pin of sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

Introduction to Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls

Image illustrates 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.

Image illustrates sourdough being rolled out for lemon sugar rolls.

Rolling Out the Dough

Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the long side.

Shaping the Rolls

Image illustrates sourdough being sliced out for lemon sugar rolls.

Slice the rolled dough into equal-sized pieces to create your sweet lemony spirals.

Image illustrates sourdough being sliced out for lemon sugar rolls.

Baking and Serving the Rolls

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar 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

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar 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.

Cream Cheese Lemon Frosting

Image illustrates 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.

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

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

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

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

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

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.

Image illustrates a Pinterest pin of sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

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

Image illustrates sourdough lemon sugar rolls.

Sourdough Lemon Sugar Rolls Recipe

These warm, fluffy sourdough rolls are infused with the citrusy zing of lemon and the sweetness of sugar. The tangy flavor from the sourdough starter pairs perfectly with the bright notes of fresh lemon zest, creating a unique and refreshing taste sensation. The addition of sugar adds a delightful sweetness to balance out the tartness, making these rolls irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a tasty snack, these rolls are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So why not whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a little slice of citrusy heaven?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Bulk Fermentation/Rising Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Servings 24 rolls

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

The Off Grid Barefoot Girl: 
Homesteader, gardener, and prepper.
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