Sweet Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Zesty Lemon Glaze Recipe

These homemade raspberry cinnamon rolls blur the lines between classic breakfast pastry and elegant dessert.

Sweet berries weave delightful surprise through soft, spiraling dough.

Warm kitchen aromas hint at something magical brewing.

Delicate cinnamon whispers comfort with each tender twist.

Bright lemon glaze adds unexpected zesty complexity that dances across your palate.

Crafting these rolls becomes a delicious adventure anyone can master.

You’ll feel like a pastry chef creating something truly special.

Grab a cup of coffee and let’s make something extraordinary together.

Why Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze Are A Must

• Burst with Fruity Freshness: Raspberries add a vibrant, tangy twist to classic cinnamon rolls, creating a delightful burst of summer flavor in every bite.
• Elevate Comfort with Zesty Brightness: The lemon glaze brings a refreshing citrus kick that cuts through the richness, making these rolls a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: Simple step-by-step instructions and basic ingredients make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Weekend Brunch Showstopper: These rolls transform an ordinary morning into a special occasion, perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts or impressing family and friends with minimal effort.

Things You Need For Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• Flour: The base for soft, pillowy rolls with a tender crumb.
• Yeast: Helps the dough rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and controls yeast growth.
• Warm Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and softness to the dough.
• Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to a tender texture.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon: Classic sweet-spicy combination for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Softened Butter: Creates a smooth base for the filling.
• Raspberries: Adds bright, fruity bursts of flavor and moisture.

• Powdered Sugar, Lemon Juice, Milk, Lemon Zest: Tangy, sweet glaze that brightens the rich rolls with a citrusy kick.

Easy Steps For Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

Step 1: Create Soft Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in warm milk, melted butter, and a beaten egg. Mix everything until a cohesive dough develops. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead thoroughly. The dough should feel smooth and springy after 8-10 minutes of kneading. If using a stand mixer, knead for 5-6 minutes with a dough hook attachment. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a cozy spot until it doubles in size, approximately 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare Fragrant Filling

Blend granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl, creating a warm and aromatic mixture that will infuse the rolls with delightful flavor.

Step 3: Roll and Spread

• Softened butter
• Cinnamon-sugar mixture
• Fresh raspberries

Spread softened butter evenly across the dough. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend generously over the butter. Carefully distribute fresh raspberries across the surface.

Step 4: Shape Delightful Rolls

From the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a beautiful log. Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, slice the log into 12 equally sized rolls.

Step 5: Allow Second Rise

Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover and let them rise again in a warm location for 30-45 minutes until they become puffy and almost touching.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 7: Craft Zesty Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Milk
• Lemon zest

Whisk all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the warm rolls. Serve immediately and savor the delightful combination of raspberries, cinnamon, and bright lemon flavor.

Smart Tricks For Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• Activate Yeast Perfectly: Ensure warm milk is between 110-115°F to activate yeast without killing it, creating a soft, fluffy dough texture.
• Prevent Raspberry Bleeding: Freeze raspberries briefly before adding to prevent color from completely spreading through the dough.
• Master Clean Cutting Technique: Use unflavored dental floss or a sharp serrated knife to slice rolls cleanly without squishing the delicate dough.
• Control Rising Environment: Place dough in a slightly warm, draft-free spot like a turned-off oven with a pan of hot water to help consistent rising.
• Customize Glaze Consistency: Adjust lemon glaze thickness by adding more powdered sugar for thicker coverage or more lemon juice for a thinner drizzle.

Keep Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap individual rolls tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Place cooled rolls in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed. Avoid adding glaze before freezing.
• Reheat Oven Method: Warm rolls at 300°F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent over-browning. This helps restore their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat individual rolls for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Add a small splash of water to prevent dryness and maintain their delicious, tender consistency.

Nice Pairings For Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• Brew Bright Citrus Tea: Complement the rolls' sweet and tangy profile with a zesty lemon or raspberry herbal tea that echoes the lemon glaze's bright notes.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve alongside a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rolls' warm cinnamon and tart raspberry flavors.
• Match with Chilled Champagne Brunch: Elevate the rolls as a decadent brunch item by pairing with a crisp, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco that cuts through the richness and enhances the fruity undertones.
• Create Breakfast Harmony: Serve with a light Greek yogurt topped with fresh raspberries to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, sweet cinnamon rolls.

New Ideas For Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• Berry Bliss Rolls: Swap raspberries with mixed berries like strawberries and blueberries for a colorful and vibrant flavor combination that bursts with summer freshness.
• Nutty Raspberry Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the filling before rolling to add a delightful textural element and nutty undertone to the classic cinnamon rolls.
• Cream Cheese Raspberry Swirl: Blend softened cream cheese with raspberry preserves and spread across the dough for an extra creamy and tangy filling that complements the sweet raspberries.
• Chocolate Raspberry Indulgence: Scatter dark chocolate chips alongside the raspberries to create a rich, decadent version of the classic rolls with a luxurious chocolate-fruit fusion.

All About Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze

• What makes these raspberry cinnamon rolls special?

These rolls combine the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon with the bright, tangy burst of fresh raspberries, creating a unique and delightful flavor profile that sets them apart from traditional cinnamon rolls.

• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them completely to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy. Pat the raspberries dry with paper towels before adding them to the filling.

• How do I know when the dough has risen properly?

The dough is ready when it has approximately doubled in size and feels puffy when gently pressed. In a warm environment, this typically takes about an hour. If you’re unsure, you can do the “poke test” – if the indentation from your finger remains, the dough is perfectly risen.

• Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for kneading?

No, you can absolutely knead the dough by hand. While a stand mixer makes the process easier, traditional hand-kneading works just as well. Just be sure to knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls With Lemon Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent raspberry cinnamon rolls dance with zesty lemon glaze, creating a breakfast symphony of sweet and tangy flavors. Bakers discover pure comfort in each tender, fruit-studded spiral that promises pure morning bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm milk (110F/45C)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Wet and Fat Ingredients:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational dough by combining dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a soft, cohesive mixture with warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Knead the dough thoroughly on a lightly dusted surface until achieving a silky, elastic texture, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Transfer the dough into a lightly greased container, envelop with a clean cloth, and allow it to rise in a cozy environment until it doubles in volume, roughly 60 minutes.
3. Gently deflate the risen dough and roll it into a rectangular shape, ensuring an even thickness across the surface. Delicately spread softened butter, creating a uniform layer.
4. Generously distribute a cinnamon-sugar blend over the buttered surface, ensuring complete coverage. Carefully scatter fresh raspberries across the dough, maintaining an even distribution.
5. Commence rolling the dough from the lengthier edge, creating a tightly wound log. Utilize a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss to slice the log into 12 uniform segments.
6. Nestle the rolled segments into a greased baking dish, allowing them to rest and expand for an additional 30-45 minutes in a warm location until they appear plump and pillowy.
7. Heat the oven to 350F and bake the rolls until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 20-25 minutes. Remove and allow slight cooling.
8. Prepare a vibrant lemon glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice, milk, and delicate lemon zest until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
9. Generously drizzle the zesty glaze over the warm rolls, ensuring complete and elegant coverage. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and tenderness.

Notes

• Choose fresh, ripe raspberries for the most vibrant flavor and color in your rolls.
• Ensure milk is warm but not hot to activate yeast without killing it, around 110°F is perfect.
• Use dental floss for clean, precise slice cuts when dividing the rolled dough to maintain uniform roll sizes.
• Frozen raspberries work well if fresh aren’t available, just pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg