Raspberry Lemon Rolls

These Raspberry Lemon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with sweet raspberry and citrus flavors. Filled with raspberry jam, lemon zest, and cinnamon, and topped with a luscious creamy raspberry frosting, they make the perfect indulgent breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy homemade dough with a rich buttery texture.
• Sweet and tangy raspberry-lemon filling for a refreshing flavor.
• Decadent raspberry cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch.
• Great for special occasions, brunches, or a weekend treat.
• Make-ahead friendly – prep the night before and bake fresh in the morning!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

• Active dry yeast
• Warm milk (110°F)
• Granulated sugar
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Water
• Salt
• All-purpose flour
• Large egg

For the Filling:

• Raspberry jam or preserves
• Lemon zest
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, softened

For the Creamy Raspberry Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Raspberry puree (made from fresh or frozen raspberries)
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, water, remaining sugar, salt, and egg. Add the yeast mixture.
3. Form the dough: Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

Assembling the Rolls:

5. Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle.
6. Spread the filling: Spread softened butter over the dough, then evenly spread raspberry jam. Sprinkle with lemon zest, sugar, and cinnamon.
7. Roll and slice: Roll the dough tightly from the long side and cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Second rise: Place rolls in a greased baking dish and let rise for 30 minutes.

Baking & Frosting:

9. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
10. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, raspberry puree, vanilla, and salt, mixing until creamy.
11. Frost and serve: Spread the frosting over warm rolls and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 rolls
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Bake Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: About 2.5-3 hours

Variations

• Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts in the filling.
• Extra Lemon Flavor: Add lemon juice to the frosting for more citrus tang.
• Berry Medley: Mix raspberry jam with blueberry or strawberry jam for a fruitier twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes.
• Overnight Option: Prepare rolls and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before frosting.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, but you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight and bake the next day.

How do I get a stronger lemon flavor?

Increase the lemon zest and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting.

What can I use instead of raspberry jam?

Strawberry, blackberry, or mixed berry jam work well.

Can I use frozen raspberries for the frosting?

Yes, just blend and strain them to remove seeds before mixing.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Don’t overfill, and roll the dough tightly to keep everything in place.

Can I make these rolls gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.

What type of cream cheese works best?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor.

How do I keep the rolls soft?

Store them in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

Can I make smaller rolls?

Yes, cut them into smaller pieces and reduce baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Lemon Rolls with Creamy Raspberry Frosting are a perfect blend of tangy citrus, sweet berries, and rich creaminess. Whether for a special breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress. Try them for your next baking adventure and enjoy every soft, flavorful bite!