Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls filled with a sweet raspberry mixture and drizzled with a tangy lemon glaze – these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are the perfect treat for any occasion. Combining the classic warmth of cinnamon rolls with the bright, tart flavor of raspberries and a refreshing lemon glaze, these rolls are a twist on a beloved favorite.

Whether you’re enjoying them for a weekend brunch, a special holiday breakfast, or simply as an afternoon snack, these rolls are sure to be a hit. The contrast between the sweet and fruity filling and the zingy lemon glaze makes every bite a delightful balance of flavors. The dough itself is soft and pillowy, providing a tender base for the raspberry cinnamon filling and the sweet, citrusy glaze on top. It’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.

What’s even better is that these rolls are surprisingly easy to make. While they do require some rising time, the steps are simple, and the results are incredibly rewarding. With a few key ingredients, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey rolls ready to be enjoyed in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Twist on a Classic

These cinnamon rolls feature a delicious raspberry filling that pairs wonderfully with the traditional cinnamon flavor, offering a fresh and fruity take on a classic recipe.

2. Lemon Glaze

The tangy lemon glaze on top adds a refreshing burst of citrus, balancing the sweetness of the raspberry filling and making each bite even more irresistible.

3. Fluffy and Soft Dough

The dough for these rolls is incredibly soft and tender, with just the right texture to complement the sweet filling and glaze.

4. Simple to Make

Though there is some time needed for the dough to rise, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need any special skills or equipment to make these rolls.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re making them for a holiday breakfast, a weekend brunch, or a simple afternoon snack, these rolls are versatile and sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

For the Raspberry Filling:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh raspberries, finely chopped or minced

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

1. Use Frozen Raspberries

If fresh raspberries aren’t available, you can use frozen raspberries. Be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.

2. Add Nuts

Add some chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft dough and juicy raspberries.

3. Coconut Lemon Glaze

For a tropical twist, you can replace the powdered sugar in the glaze with coconut sugar and add a tablespoon of coconut milk for a rich, coconut-flavored glaze.

4. Substitute the Lemon Glaze with Cream Cheese Frosting

If you prefer something richer, you can use a cream cheese frosting instead of the lemon glaze. Simply mix together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

5. Vegan Option

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, use almond or oat milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs. You can also use a vegan-friendly glaze for the finishing touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the lukewarm milk, melted butter, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Raspberry Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped raspberries in a bowl. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle, about 12×18 inches in size. Brush the rolled-out dough with melted butter, then evenly spread the raspberry cinnamon filling across the surface.

Step 4: Roll the Dough and Cut the Rolls

Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 12-15 even pieces and place them into a greased baking dish, ensuring they are close together.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the rolls with a clean cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they’ve puffed up.

Step 6: Bake the Rolls

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze

While the rolls are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 8: Drizzle the Glaze

Once the rolls are baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of the rolls. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Lukewarm Milk: Make sure the milk is warm but not too hot. It should be just warm to the touch, which helps activate the yeast properly.
2. Don’t Overfill: Be sure not to overfill the rolls with the raspberry mixture, as it may leak out during baking.
3. Let the Dough Rise Properly: Give the dough enough time to rise and double in size. This will ensure that the rolls are soft and fluffy.
4. Chill the Dough: If you don’t have time to bake right away, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Just let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.
5. Fresh Raspberries Work Best: Fresh raspberries provide a nice, juicy filling. If you use frozen raspberries, make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

How to Serve

These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are best served warm, straight out of the oven. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch and pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For an extra treat, you can serve them with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, reheat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.

Freezing

To freeze the rolls, let them cool completely. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave the rolls for 1-2 minutes or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat the rolls, simply place them in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also drizzle more glaze on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, frozen raspberries can be used in place of fresh ones. Make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

3. Can I make the lemon glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon glaze can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can substitute raspberries with other berries like blackberries or blueberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

5. How can I make these rolls fluffier?

Make sure the dough is well-kneaded and given enough time to rise. If the dough doesn’t rise enough, the rolls might turn out dense.

6. Can I freeze the rolls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the rolls after assembling them. Place the rolls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them rise before baking.

7. Can I skip the lemon glaze?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the glaze or replace it with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting.

8. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Just follow the instructions for instant yeast, which usually doesn’t require proofing.

9. How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking as you roll it out.

10. Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze offer a fresh and exciting twist on a classic treat. The combination of juicy raspberries, warm cinnamon, and tangy lemon glaze makes these rolls irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.

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