Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

Bright, sweet, and tangy, Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll. Packed with juicy raspberries and finished with a zesty lemon glaze, these rolls are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a special dessert. Whether you’re hosting guests or looking for a weekend baking project, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with straightforward steps.

What Are Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls?

Raspberry cinnamon rolls combine soft, fluffy dough with a sweet raspberry filling and a citrusy lemon glaze. The natural tartness of raspberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the rolls, while the lemon glaze adds a refreshing tang. These rolls are a versatile choice for any occasion and can be made with either fresh or frozen raspberries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Straightforward steps, even for beginner bakers.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Bursting with flavor: Juicy raspberries and zesty lemon glaze elevate the classic cinnamon roll.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the night before and bake fresh in the morning.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (240 ml) warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 3 ½ cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (125 g) fresh or frozen raspberries
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the melted butter, egg, flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can knead by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
3. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Assembling the Rolls

4. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 12×16 inches.
5. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly with sugar and raspberries.
6. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 equal pieces using a sharp knife or dental floss for clean cuts.

Baking the Rolls

7. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them for expansion. Cover and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Lemon Glaze

9. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls for a sweet and tangy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these raspberry cinnamon rolls warm, topped with an extra drizzle of lemon glaze for maximum flavor. Pair with:

• Freshly brewed coffee or tea.
• A side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
• A dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.

Freezing Instructions

• Before baking: After slicing the rolls, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise, and bake as instructed.
• After baking: Freeze baked and cooled rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warm.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute.
• Vegan Option: Replace milk with plant-based milk, butter with vegan butter, and egg with a flaxseed egg.
• Berry Mix: Combine raspberries with blueberries or blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
• Orange Glaze: Swap lemon juice and zest for orange juice and zest for a sweeter citrus twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries work well. Do not thaw them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, shape the rolls, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature and rise for 30 minutes before baking.

How do I ensure my dough rises properly?
Place the dough in a warm, draft-free spot. You can use an oven with the light on or a microwave with a cup of hot water inside for a cozy environment.

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are a delightful treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with vibrant, fruity flavors. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or treating yourself, these rolls are guaranteed to impress. Try them out and share your experience—you’ll love every bite!

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