Name: Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup salted butter; 1/2 cup warm water (about 100 to 110 degrees F); 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (or active dry yeast – 1 package); 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar (divided); 1 large egg; 3 3/4 cups (529g) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 5 Tablespoons salted butter (softened); 1/3 cup light brown sugar; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 18 ounces raspberries (fresh or thawed from frozen – about 3 1/2 cups); 2 Tablespoons lemon zest (from 2 lemons); 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch; 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 3 Tablespoons salted butter (softened); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 Tablespoons sour cream; 2 Tablespoons mashed raspberries; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Zest of 1 lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 27 reviews

If you’re searching for a bright, bursting-with-flavor treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite, you absolutely need to try this Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe. These sweet rolls combine tender, fluffy dough with luscious raspberries and zesty lemon, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart that will brighten up any morning or sweet snack time. The luscious cream cheese icing flecked with lemon zest and fresh raspberry puree adds a decadent finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your new favorite for weekend brunches or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a smooth, pale yellow dough ball with a slightly puffy texture centered inside. To the upper right of the bowl are two small clear glass containers, one filled with white sugar and the other with light brown sugar. At the lower left of the bowl, there are three small bright orange-yellow lemons with green leaves attached. The scene is bright and clean with soft natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component plays an important role—dairy for richness, fresh fruit for vibrant flavor and color, and just the right amount of sugar for sweetness without overpowering the raspberries and lemon zest.

Whole milk (3/4 cup): Adds creaminess and richness to the dough for tender rolls.
Salted butter (1/2 cup + 5 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons): Used in the dough, filling, and frosting to enrich flavor and create a moist texture.
Warm water (1/2 cup, 100 to 110°F): Activates the yeast properly for the perfect rise.
Instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): Essential for light, fluffy dough with a lovely crumb.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup divided + 1/3 cup for filling): Balances tartness and feeds the yeast for fermentation.
Large egg (1): Adds structure and richness to the dough.
All-purpose flour (3 3/4 cups): The base for the soft dough that holds all your beautiful fillings.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Light brown sugar (1/3 cup): Creates a deep caramel-like flavor in the filling.
Fresh raspberries (18 ounces): Provide natural sweetness and tartness, plus a gorgeous burst of color.
Lemon zest (from 2 lemons + extra for icing): Infuses bright citrus aroma and flavor throughout.
Cornstarch (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps thicken the raspberry filling so it’s not too runny.
Cream cheese (4 ounces softened): For a rich, tangy icing that complements the fruit perfectly.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the frosting.
Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky texture and slight tang to the icing.
Mashed raspberries (2 tablespoons): Gives the frosting an extra pop of fresh raspberry flavor and a lovely pink hue.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the frosting with warm, inviting notes.

How to Make Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk and Butter Mixture

Warm your milk and butter together over medium-low heat just until small bubbles form around the edges and the butter has mostly melted. This gentle heat combines the flavors beautifully and ensures your dough will have that tender, rich texture we all crave.

Step 2: Proof the Yeast

Mix warm water with yeast and a teaspoon of sugar, then let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. This step awakens the yeast and ensures a fantastic rise. Even with instant yeast, I love giving it a little proof for better results.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Start the Dough

In a large bowl, stir together the proofed yeast, remaining sugar, egg, part of your flour, salt, and the cooled milk-butter mixture. Use a stand mixer paddle blade for a smooth blend. This mix starts building the dough’s structure, setting you up for soft rolls.

Step 4: Knead the Dough to Perfection

Add the remaining flour and switch to the dough hook on your mixer. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and pulls away slightly from the sides. It should feel soft and a touch sticky but not clingy. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until nearly doubled in size. This resting phase develops flavor and gives you that fluffy, airy texture.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Turn your dough onto a floured surface and roll it out evenly into a 9×12-inch rectangle, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This is your canvas for all the delicious fillings coming next!

Step 6: Spread Butter and Add Filling

Softened butter goes on first, creating a buttery base for the filling. Then sprinkle brown sugar for sweetness and depth. Toss your raspberries with granulated sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch to thicken them slightly and keep the rolls from becoming soggy. Spread this fruity mixture evenly for that burst of fresh flavor in every bite.

Step 7: Cut and Roll the Sweet Rolls

Use a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 12 strips, then carefully roll each up, tucking in raspberries so they stay inside the spirals. Place the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch pan, giving them space to rise and bake beautifully. I find slicing first makes handling much easier.

Step 8: Let the Rolls Rise Again

Cover loosely and let them rise another 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for a slow rise and even deeper flavor. This step is key for those fluffy, pillowy rolls.

Step 9: Bake Until Golden

Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake rolls for 25 to 30 minutes until golden on top and cooked through. If they start browning too quickly, tent with foil to protect the crust while the insides finish baking.

Step 10: Make and Spread the Cream Cheese Icing

Whip softened butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, sour cream, mashed raspberries, vanilla, and lemon zest. The fluffy icing is the perfect luscious topping for these rolls while they’re still warm, creating that dreamy, melting sweetness everyone will adore.

How to Serve Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe

The image shows soft cinnamon rolls with a bright pink glaze and small red fruit pieces on top, placed on white plates with a textured design. Each cinnamon roll has swirled layers of light brown dough and is covered with the thick, creamy pink frosting that drips slightly down the sides. A few fresh red raspberries rest around and on the cinnamon rolls. There are whole lemons and lemons sliced in half placed on the white marbled surface around the plates. In the bottom right, part of a white baking dish holds more cinnamon rolls with the same pink glaze and garnished with orange slices. Two silver forks lie near a soft pink cloth napkin next to the plates. The setting is bright and clean, with all elements on the white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh lemon zest sprinkled on top of the icing immediately brightens the appearance and intensifies the citrus notes. Add a few whole raspberries for a vibrant pop of color and texture that makes these rolls irresistible to the eyes as well as the palate.

Side Dishes

Pair these rolls with a light, refreshing side like a mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad to echo the fresh fruity flavors. They also make a lovely companion to a cup of your favorite coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these rolls in a rustic wooden tray lined with a fresh linen napkin for an inviting, homey feel. For special occasions, plate individually with a drizzle of extra raspberry sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to impress guests with presentation as much as flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe stays wonderfully fresh stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them covered to maintain softness and prevent drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the rolls either baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain freshness and texture.

Reheating

Reheat rolls gently in a warm oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave briefly in 15-second intervals until warmed through. If you want the icing slightly melty again, spread a bit more on before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make your rolls soggy. Toss them with sugar and cornstarch as stated to help keep that perfect filling consistency.

Is it okay to substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast?

Yes, just be sure to proof the active dry yeast in warm water with sugar until foamy before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures your dough rises perfectly.

Can I make these rolls vegan?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and a flax egg instead of a chicken egg, you can transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly treat. The cream cheese icing would also need a dairy-free version.

How do I prevent the raspberry filling from leaking too much?

Coating the raspberries with sugar and cornstarch before spreading on the dough helps thicken the filling as it bakes, reducing leakage and keeping your rolls clean and delicious.

Can I prepare these rolls the night before baking?

Definitely! After shaping the rolls, cover and refrigerate them overnight. Bring them out to rise a bit at room temperature before baking for convenience and enhanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Lemon Raspberry Sweet Rolls Recipe is such a joyful experience, and the results are beyond rewarding. If you love cozy mornings filled with vibrant, fresh flavor and a touch of sweet indulgence, these rolls should be your next baking adventure. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!