Lemonade Rolls (Sweet Fluffy Lemon Rolls with Icing)

These Lemon Rolls are soft, fluffy, and bursting with a bright lemonade flavor in every bite. They’re filled with a sweet, buttery lemon filling and topped with a smooth lemon glaze that melts right into the warm rolls.

Lemon Rolls

This lemon roll recipe has been in my family for years. My grandmother used to make them when I was a little girl, and they were always one of my favorite treats.

Believe it or not, but my name is Crystal Light – yes, just like the lemonade, only I was born & named a year before the drink ever came out. My grandfather was named Buddy Light, so I can you can take a guess at what folks shortened that one down to. He was also the ‘original’ being born & named before the corresponding beverage ever came onto the market. His wife, my MawMaw Light, make up these Lemonade Rolls when I was just a little girl as a play on my name.

She would make them with Crystal Light Lemonade and lovingly call them her Crystal Light Rolls.

Over the years, I have found that Country Time Lemonade gives the rolls an even better flavor, so I updated the recipe just a bit, but the memory & story behind them remains the same.

Now I’m so excited to share this family favorite with all of you. I hope you love these sweet, lemonade rolls as much as my family always has!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Rolls

• The sweet lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Every bite is bursting with a sweet, tart lemonade flavor.
• Perfect for holidays, spring or summer gatherings, and family weekends.
• Make-ahead friendly for an easy morning treat.
• It’s a fun citrus twist on classic cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients for Lemon Rolls

• Active Dry Yeast: Makes the sweet roll dough light and airy.
• Warm Water: Warm water wakes up the yeast so it will rise.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives your fluffy dough its structure.
• Box Lemon Cake Mix: A box of lemon cake mix gives these lemony rolls their bright color, sweet taste, and extra-soft texture.
• Kosher Salt: A little Kosher salt balances the sweetness and helps the flavors come together.
• Unsalted Butter: Room temperature softened butter mixes into the dough easily and gives these rolls their rich, buttery flavor.
• Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix Powder: This lemonade powder adds a sweet, tangy punch that makes these rolls taste extra lemony.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar is used to make the smooth lemon glaze.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brings bright, fresh citrus flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Rolls

Prepare the Yeast: In a medium bowl, stir together the active dry yeast and warm water to make the yeast mixture.

Mix the Dough: In the large bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, lemon cake mix, and salt. Attach the dough hook attachment and mix in the yeast mixture until a soft dough forms. The dough should come together into a ball without adding too much flour.

Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm spot. Let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Prepare the Baking Pans: Lightly grease two prepared baking dish pans that measure 9×13 inches.

Roll Out the Dough: Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a one inch rectangle that’s about 10×24 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the lemonade drink mix across the top.

Roll and Slice: Starting with the short side, roll the dough into a tight log. Place it seam-side down. Use a serrated knife or a sharp knife to gently slice the log into ten even rolls, about 1 inch thick. If you prefer, dental floss also works great for making clean cuts.

Let the Rolls Rise Again: Place five rolls into each prepared baking dish. Cover with the clean kitchen towel and let them rest in a warm place until doubled in size.

Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

Make the Lemon Glaze: While the rolls are baking, stir together the powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth and easy to pour.

Glaze and Serve: Pour the lemon glaze over the warm rolls while they’re still fresh from the oven.

Ways to Serve:

• Serve warm with a cup of coffee or hot tea.
• Pair with fresh blueberries, raspberries or strawberries.
• Enjoy alongside bacon or sausage for brunch.
• Serve with a glass of cold milk or lemonade. Your kids will love it!
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
• Garnish with fresh lemon zest on top for extra citrus flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover lemon rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy one, warm it in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds to make it soft and delicious again. You can also freeze the rolls for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lemon rolls ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the rolls, cover them, and refrigerate them overnight before the second rise. The next morning, let them sit at room temperature until they become puffy, then bake as directed.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon juice gives the glaze a better flavor. If you have fresh lemons on hand, they’re always going to be the best choice.

Why didn’t my lemon rolls rise?

The most common reason for the rolls not rising enough is that the yeast didn’t activate properly. Make sure your water is warm (about 110–115°F), but not too hot. Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot. If your yeast is old or expired, that’s another reason why the rolls may not rise as they should.

Recipe Variations

• Sprinkle fresh or frozen blueberries over the filling before rolling.
• Mix in a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Top with poppy seeds for a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor roll.
• Top with fresh lemon zest for a brighter color.

More Favorite Sweet Lemon Recipes

• Lemon Pie Milkshakes
• Lemon Icebox Pie (Aka Lemonade Pie)
• Easy Lemon Posset Dessert
• Lemon Meringue Bars