If you have been searching for a sweet treat that combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls with the bright, tangy pop of fresh raspberries and a zesty lemon finish, your search ends here. This Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe brings together soft, fluffy dough swirled with cinnamon and bursting with juicy raspberries, all topped with a luscious lemon glaze that balances the sweetness perfectly. It’s a dessert that feels like a warm hug and a sunny day rolled into one bite, guaranteed to brighten your mornings or spice up your brunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first delightful step toward creating these irresistible Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe. Each component is chosen to contribute unique flavors and textures, from the tender dough to the fresh fruit and tangy glaze, ensuring every bite is a perfect harmony of tastes.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your dough, providing structure and softness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart berries.
- 2 tsp instant yeast: Essential for a light and airy dough that rises beautifully.
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen): Freshness and vibrant color that bursts with flavor in every roll.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The warm spice that defines cinnamon rolls and complements the berries.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and softness to the dough for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Enhances richness and offers a wonderfully flaky texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the dough ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: The base for the sweet and tangy lemon glaze.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brings a bright, refreshing acidity to cut through the sweetness.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds aromatic citrus notes for a vibrant pop in the glaze.
How to Make Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin your delicious journey by combining the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Then stir in warm milk, melted butter, and eggs to bring everything together. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface where you’ll knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s silky smooth and elastic. This kneading process is crucial, as it develops the dough’s gluten which results in those fluffy cinnamon rolls we all adore.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Once your dough is perfectly kneaded, roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. This gives you the ideal canvas for layering in the flavors of cinnamon and raspberries. Rolling evenly helps ensure each roll bakes uniformly and swirls beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly across the surface of the dough, creating that familiar, mouthwatering aroma. Next, scatter fresh or frozen raspberries on top, pressing them gently into the dough so they stay put without crushing, preserving those bursts of juicy flavor you’ll love when biting in.
Step 4: Form the Rolls
Now for the fun part: carefully roll the dough up into a tight log, making sure the filling stays inside. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 even pieces and place them spaced out in a greased baking dish. This ensures the rolls bake perfectly golden on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma during baking will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon until smooth and slightly thickened. This glaze is the pièce de résistance, adding a tangy brightness that pairs exquisitely with the sweet, fruity rolls.
Step 7: Glaze the Rolls
Once your cinnamon rolls are fresh from the oven and still warm, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top. The warmth helps the glaze to soak in slightly, creating a luscious shine and extra flavor layer that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an added touch of beauty and freshness, sprinkle a few extra raspberries or a light dusting of cinnamon powder over the glazed rolls before serving. A few tiny edible flowers or sprigs of mint can also provide a lovely pop of color and a fresh aroma, elevating the presentation effortlessly.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine beautifully as the star of a brunch spread but pair wonderfully with light accompaniments like a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of chilled sparkling lemonade. For a more substantial brunch, fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait complements the rolls’ sweetness gracefully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board or in a decorative baking dish straight out of the oven for a cozy, inviting look. You could even plate individual rolls with a small dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra lemon glaze on the side for an elegant touch that makes each serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This short-term storage helps maintain their softness and freshness without drying out the rolls or losing the vibrant flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe at a later time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed as a quick, indulgent snack or breakfast.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap a roll and warm it gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This refreshes their softness and melts the glaze slightly, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven magic in just moments.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh in the Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work just fine, just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before spreading on the dough to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can substitute active dry yeast, though you will need to proof it in warm water for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the dough for best results.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap regular milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use vegan butter to keep the rolls dairy-free and delicious.
Can I prepare the dough the night before?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight, then roll, fill, and bake the next morning for a fresh experience with less morning prep.
What’s the best way to avoid the rolls becoming soggy?
Make sure to gently press the raspberries into the dough without crushing them and avoid overfilling. Also, bake immediately after slicing to maintain the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
When you make this Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe, you’re not just baking a pastry—you’re crafting moments of warmth, sweetness, and bright joy. Whether for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or a special treat anytime, these rolls bring a delightful balance of flavors that will quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, dive into this scrumptious adventure and let the irresistible combination of raspberries, cinnamon, and lemon brighten your day!
Print
Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls topped with a zesty Lemon Glaze, combining soft, fluffy dough with sweet raspberries and warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and instant yeast. Add milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Roll Out the Dough: Roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface, ensuring an even thickness for uniform rolls.
- Add Filling: Evenly sprinkle ground cinnamon over the dough. Distribute the raspberries on top, gently pressing them into the dough to help them stay in place during rolling.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them side by side in a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Prepare Lemon Glaze: While the rolls bake, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are warm from the oven, generously drizzle the lemon glaze over the top to add a bright, tangy sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh raspberries, but frozen raspberries can be used after thawing and draining excess juice.
- Kneading the dough well is essential for soft, fluffy rolls.
- Allow rolls to cool slightly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off completely.
- You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make these rolls lactose-free.
- Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
