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Lemon Poppy Seed Rolls

Delightfully soft and fluffy rolls infused with tangy lemon and crunchy poppy seeds, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 9 rolls
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: European
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2/3 cup whole milk, warmed to 100-110F Your yeast will love this temperature!
  • 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided Helps with browning and flavor.
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature This is key for a better rise.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest Try to use fresh lemons for the best aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature Softened for easy incorporation.
For the Filling
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd Store-bought or homemade for that fresh zing!
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk, for the glaze Adjust consistency to your liking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine warm milk and 1 tablespoon of the granulated sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the milk and whisk to combine. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the eggs to the yeast mixture and whisk until smooth.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine flour, remaining sugar, poppy seeds, lemon zest, and salt.
  4. Add the milk and egg mixture to the dry ingredients. With the mixer running on low speed, add the butter one piece at a time, letting each piece incorporate fully before adding the next.
  5. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and knead the dough until smooth and slightly elastic, about 5 minutes.
  6. Transfer the dough to a greased medium bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10x15-inch rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
  8. Spread lemon curd evenly over the entire surface of the dough.
  9. Starting with the long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
  10. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 9 equal rolls.
Baking
  1. Spray a 9x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in the prepared pan.
  3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm area until puffy and nearly doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 350F.
  5. Bake the rolls for 25 to 28 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on top and cooked through in the center.
  6. Let the rolls cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes.
  7. In a small bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and milk for glaze. Whisk until smooth and pourable.
  8. Drizzle glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately or let cool completely.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh, but will last for 2-3 days at room temperature, covered. Can be frozen after baking and wrapped tightly.