Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze offer a delightful twist on the classic cinnamon roll by adding vibrant raspberries and a bright, zesty lemon glaze. These rolls are soft and fluffy, layered with a sweet and slightly tart raspberry filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. The addition of lemon glaze perfectly complements the richness of the dough and the fruity filling, providing a fresh, tangy contrast that elevates this pastry to something truly special. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a decadent snack, these cinnamon rolls bring a beautiful balance of sweetness and acidity that will impress family and guests alike.

The dough is made with bread flour for a chewy, tender crumb, while instant yeast helps the rolls rise beautifully. The raspberry filling thickens during baking, ensuring a luscious fruit spread that doesn’t make the rolls soggy. Drizzled with a creamy lemon glaze, this recipe turns traditional cinnamon rolls into a sophisticated yet comforting treat. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to treat yourself, these rolls are a delicious way to brighten up your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, fluffy bread dough with a tender crumb.
• Sweet and tangy raspberry filling made with real fruit.
• The lemon glaze adds a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness.
• Uses frozen raspberries, making it easy to prepare year-round.
• Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a special dessert.

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Ingredients

For the Rolls

• Whole milk, warmed
• Instant yeast
• Large egg
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Bread flour
• Unsalted butter, melted (for greasing)

Filling

• Frozen raspberries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch

Lemon Glaze

• Lemon juice
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream

Variations

For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough or sprinkle cinnamon into the raspberry filling for a classic touch. You can substitute fresh raspberries when in season or use other berries like blueberries or blackberries. If you prefer a cream cheese glaze instead of lemon, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk for a tangy alternative. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the filling before rolling the dough.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Warm the milk to about 110°F (warm to the touch, not hot). In a large bowl, combine the milk, yeast, egg, sugar, salt, melted butter, and bread flour. Mix until a sticky dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a saucepan, combine frozen raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes jam-like. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough.

Step 5: Form the Rolls

Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into even slices, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let rise until puffy, about 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

Whisk together lemon juice, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth and pourable.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use warm milk to activate the yeast properly.
• Do not overfill with raspberry mixture to avoid soggy rolls.
• Let the filling cool before spreading to prevent dough from getting too soft.
• Allow the rolls to rise fully for fluffy, tender texture.
• Use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the rolls cleanly.

How to Serve

Serve these raspberry cinnamon rolls warm, straight from the pan, drizzled with lemon glaze. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. For a special occasion, add fresh raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. These rolls also make an impressive dessert when served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked rolls after the first rise by wrapping the baking dish tightly and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let rise before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Warm leftover rolls in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?
   Yes, fresh raspberries can be used but may require less cooking time for the filling.
2. What type of flour works best?
   Bread flour is preferred for a chewier texture, but all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
3. Can I make the dough in a stand mixer?
   Yes, using a dough hook makes kneading easier and quicker.
4. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
   It should roughly double in size and feel puffy when gently pressed.
5. Can I substitute lemon glaze for cream cheese frosting?
   Yes, cream cheese frosting is a delicious alternative.
6. How thick should the dough be rolled out?
   About 1/4-inch thickness works well for rolling and filling.
7. Can I prepare the rolls the night before?
   You can refrigerate the shaped rolls overnight and bake them fresh in the morning.
8. What’s the best way to slice the rolls?
   Use a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to cut clean slices without squishing.
9. How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
   Don’t overfill with raspberry mixture and make sure it’s cooled before spreading.
10. Can I add cinnamon to the filling?
    Yes, a teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with the sugar adds a classic flavor.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze offer a perfect combination of fluffy dough, sweet-tart raspberry filling, and bright citrus glaze. This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an elegant and flavorful treat ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an achievable baking project that yields impressive results. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weekend morning, these rolls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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