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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Make the Dough:**
– In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes foamy.
– In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
– Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not overly sticky.
– Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook to knead the dough.
– Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
#### 2. **Prepare the Lemon Filling:**
– While the dough is rising, make the lemon filling. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
#### 3. **Assemble the Sweet Rolls:**
– Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 16×12 inches.
– Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges. Roll the dough up tightly from the long side, forming a log.
– Slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the rolls so they are snug but not overcrowded.
– Cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up and are touching each other.
#### 4. **Bake the Rolls:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of one of the rolls; it should come out clean.
– Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before frosting.
#### 5. **Make the Cream Cheese Icing:**
– While the rolls are baking, prepare the cream cheese icing. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice, and mix until the icing is smooth and fluffy.
– If the icing is too thick, you can add a little more lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
#### 6. **Frost the Rolls:**
– Once the rolls have cooled slightly, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the warm rolls. The icing will melt slightly into the rolls, creating a gooey, delicious layer of creamy goodness.
– Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest for an extra pop of citrus flavor.
#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve the Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and indulgent flavors. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a decadent dessert.
### Why These Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls are Special:
1. **Lemon Flavor Perfection:**
The combination of lemon zest in the filling and the fresh lemon juice in the icing gives these sweet rolls a zesty, refreshing twist. The lemon adds a bright and tangy contrast to the rich, buttery dough, creating a flavor profile that’s irresistible.
2. **Soft, Fluffy Dough:**
The dough is soft, pillowy, and perfectly fluffy, making each bite melt in your mouth. It’s the ideal base for the tangy lemon filling and the sweet cream cheese icing.
3. **Cream Cheese Icing:**
The cream cheese icing is the star of the show, offering a smooth, rich texture and tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lemon filling. It brings the perfect balance to the rolls and makes them extra indulgent.
4. **Versatile and Fun:**
These rolls are not only great for breakfast or brunch but can also be served as a dessert. They are perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just when you’re in the mood for a sweet, citrusy treat.
### Tips for the Perfect Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls:
– **Use Fresh Lemons:** For the best flavor, always use fresh lemons for the zest and juice. The zest is where the essential oils reside, so it gives these rolls their fragrant citrus kick.
– **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** When making the dough, try not to overwork it. Over-kneading can result in dense rolls. Just knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
– **Let the Rolls Rise Properly:** For soft, fluffy rolls, make sure to allow the dough to rise adequately during both the first and second rise. This helps the rolls achieve their light and airy texture.
– **Customize the Icing:** If you prefer a thicker or sweeter icing, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness if desired.
### Why You’ll Love These Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls:
These **Zesty Lemon Sweet Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing** are a citrus lover’s dream. The balance of tangy lemon filling, soft dough, and rich cream cheese frosting makes them the perfect indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving them to family and friends for a special occasion or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these sweet rolls will quickly become a favorite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible—soft, tangy, sweet, and oh-so-creamy. Enjoy every bite!
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