If you are looking for a delightful way to brighten your breakfast or dessert table, this Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, fluffy rolls swirled with a luscious raspberry and cinnamon filling, then crowned with a tangy lemon glaze that adds a fresh, zesty kick. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors that will have you craving more. This recipe makes a memorable treat whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create irresistible texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role from the soft, yeasted dough and vibrant raspberry filling to the bright, smooth glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for creating soft and elastic dough, key for that classic cinnamon roll texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
- Instant yeast: Essential for fluffiness and rise, giving the rolls their airy structure.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, balancing sweet and fruit elements perfectly.
- Warm milk: Provides moisture and richness to the dough, and helps with yeast activation.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds tenderness to the dough and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the dough while enriching it for a tender crumb.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries: Bring juicy, tart bursts of flavor inside the rolls.
- Brown sugar: Combines with cinnamon for a caramel-like filling sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm spice that pairs beautifully with raspberries.
- All-purpose flour (for filling): Locks in moisture from the raspberries, preventing sogginess.
- Powdered sugar: Provides a smooth base for the sweet lemon glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Lemon zest: Packs intense citrus aroma and flavor into the glaze.
How to Make Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining two cups of flour, granulated sugar, yeast, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. Warm milk, melted butter, and eggs join the party next, bringing moisture and richness. Mix everything together until combined, gradually adding the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough for 6 to 8 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size—this step is so important for achieving that lovely, fluffy texture.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Cinnamon Filling
While the dough is rising, stir fresh or frozen raspberries gently with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little flour in a small bowl. The flour helps thicken the filling so it doesn’t get too runny when baked, allowing those sweet and fragrant raspberry-cinnamon flavors to shine generously throughout the rolls.
Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough
Once your dough is doubled in size, roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it measures about 16 by 12 inches. Spread the vibrant raspberry mixture evenly over the entire surface. Starting from the longer side, roll the dough tightly into a log to trap all that delicious filling inside.
Step 4: Slice and Rise Again
Slice the rolled dough into 12 equal parts and arrange the rolls snugly in a greased 9×13-inch pan. Cover them and allow the rolls to rise again for 30 minutes—this second rise makes sure they bake up nice and fluffy, ready to delight.
Step 5: Bake the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen will be worth the wait!
Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the rolls bake, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a luscious glaze. The tartness of the lemon perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls, adding a fresh zing right at the end.
Step 7: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the warm lemon glaze over the hot rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Let the glaze set a bit, then dive into these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe while they’re still warm and oh-so comforting.
How to Serve Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by garnishing with a few fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans to add a crunch contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, snowy finish that’s irresistible on camera and palate alike.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines alongside simple sides like fresh seasonal fruit, a creamy cup of vanilla yogurt, or even a refreshing mint tea. These light companions let the rolls take center stage while rounding out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these rolls on a rustic wooden board for a cozy brunch vibe or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand to impress guests. You could even pull apart a warm roll for a casual, family-style feel that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent drying, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil.
Freezing
These rolls freeze beautifully either before baking or after cooling. If freezing unbaked, perform the first rise, then wrap the rolls tightly and freeze. Bake straight from frozen with a longer baking time. For baked rolls, allow them to cool completely then freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm leftover rolls in a microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes wrapped loosely with foil. Adding a quick drizzle of fresh lemon glaze after reheating revitalizes their zesty charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh for the Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! Use frozen raspberries straight from the freezer without thawing to avoid excess moisture that could make the dough soggy. The flour and sugar in the filling help absorb extra juice nicely.
How important is the second rise before baking?
The second rise is crucial for fluffy, tender rolls. It allows the dough to relax and expand again after being shaped, ensuring a soft texture and beautiful oven spring.
Can I make the dough by hand without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix and knead this dough by hand. Just be prepared to spend a little more time kneading to develop that smooth and elastic texture. It’s worth it for the homemade feel!
Is there a way to add extra crunch to these rolls?
You can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the raspberry filling for a delightful crunchy surprise that pairs wonderfully with the soft dough and tart fruit.
What is the best way to store leftovers to maintain freshness?
For best results, wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate if eating within a week or freeze for longer storage to keep them moist and delicious.
Final Thoughts
The Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe is truly one of those recipes that brings joy and warmth to any occasion. With its inviting aroma, vibrant flavors, and tender texture, it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a quiet morning. I encourage you to try making these rolls soon—you’ll find they quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors wrapped in soft, fluffy yeast dough. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, these rolls feature fresh raspberries and warm cinnamon, topped with a bright, zesty lemon glaze that adds a refreshing finish to each bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
Filling
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 2 cups of flour, granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until ingredients are combined, then gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First rise: Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Make the filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the fresh or frozen raspberries with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and flour to create the filling mixture.
- Roll out the dough: Once risen, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 16 by 12-inch rectangle.
- Assemble the rolls: Evenly spread the raspberry filling over the dough rectangle. Starting from the long side, tightly roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal rolls.
- Second rise: Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm up while the rolls finish their second rise.
- Bake: Bake the rolls for 25 to 30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Prepare the glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to create a smooth lemon glaze.
- Glaze and serve: After baking, drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls before serving to add a bright, citrusy finish.
Notes
- If using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them beforehand to avoid excess moisture that can affect the dough.
- For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans into the raspberry filling before rolling.
