Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are a fresh, fruity twist on a beloved classic. These rolls combine the warmth of traditional cinnamon rolls with the bright, tangy burst of raspberries and a citrusy lemon glaze that takes the flavor to a whole new level. Soft, fluffy dough wraps around a sweet-tart raspberry filling spiced with cinnamon, then gets drenched in a luscious glaze made from fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tart, warm, and zesty.

These rolls are ideal for spring brunches, holiday mornings, or just a cozy weekend treat. The raspberries bring a vibrant color and juicy texture that plays beautifully against the warm spices, while the lemon glaze adds a fresh finish that keeps everything feeling light and bright. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these rolls offer something extra special.

The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making it soft and tender, and can even be adapted with gluten-free flour if needed. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is approachable for all skill levels—and the result is bakery-worthy rolls with a fresh, fruity twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bright, Fruity Flavor – Fresh raspberries add vibrant flavor and color that stand out from the typical cinnamon roll.
2. Zesty Lemon Glaze – The lemon glaze brings a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the dough.
3. Soft and Fluffy Texture – The enriched dough bakes up tender and pillowy every time.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions – These rolls look impressive and taste gourmet, making them perfect for brunch or celebrations.
5. Adaptable for Dietary Needs – Easily made with gluten-free 1:1 flour if needed.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Warm milk
• Active dry yeast
• Granulated sugar
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour substitute)

For the Filling:

• Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Melted butter

For the Lemon Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Lemon juice
• Melted butter
• Lemon zest

Variations

• Berry Blend: Use a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a triple berry version.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap the lemon glaze for a classic cream cheese frosting.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture.
• Orange Glaze: Use orange juice and zest instead of lemon for a sweeter citrus twist.
• Mini Rolls: Roll the dough thinner and cut into smaller pieces for bite-sized versions.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk to about 110°F. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture with sugar, melted butter, salt, and eggs. Add flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a mixer until smooth. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mash the raspberries slightly. Mix them with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 4: Roll and Fill

Roll the risen dough into a large rectangle. Brush with melted butter and spread the raspberry mixture evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into 12 equal rolls and arrange in a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Second Rise

Cover and let the rolls rise again for about 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 7: Bake

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

Step 8: Make the Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, and lemon zest until smooth.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Let the rolls cool slightly, then drizzle with the lemon glaze and serve warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything mix together more smoothly.
• Don’t Overfill – Too much raspberry filling can cause the rolls to unravel or leak.
• Use Parchment Paper – Makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Mash the Berries Lightly – You want them spreadable but not totally pureed.
• Let the Rolls Cool Slightly Before Glazing – So the glaze doesn’t melt off too quickly.

How to Serve

• Warm with Coffee – Perfect morning pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Dessert – Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Holiday Brunch – A beautiful addition to Easter, Mother’s Day, or Christmas brunch.
• Picnic Ready – Let them cool completely and pack for a fruity baked treat on the go.
• Topped with Extra Zest – For more citrus punch, sprinkle extra lemon zest just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

Freeze baked, unfrosted rolls individually. Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat and glaze.

Reheating

Microwave rolls for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes until soft and warm again.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes! Just thaw slightly and mash before spreading. Drain excess liquid if needed to prevent soggy dough.

2. How do I know the dough is kneaded enough?

It should be smooth, elastic, and bounce back when poked.

3. What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute lime juice or use a plain vanilla glaze instead.

4. Can I prepare the rolls the night before?

Yes! Assemble the rolls, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temp before baking.

5. Do I need to cook the raspberry filling?

Nope! Just mash and mix. It cooks naturally while baking.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

7. Why did my rolls turn out dense?

They may have under-risen or been over-floured. Make sure to allow both rises and use correct flour measurements.

8. Can I use this dough for other fillings?

Yes! It works great with cinnamon sugar, chocolate, or other fruits like apple or cherry.

9. What’s the best way to slice the dough?

Use unflavored dental floss or a serrated knife for clean, even slices.

10. Can I skip the glaze?

Sure! The rolls are still sweet and delicious without it, or you can dust with powdered sugar instead.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are the perfect way to brighten your morning or impress at any brunch gathering. The tart, juicy raspberries and citrusy glaze provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, soft dough, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in some sweet baking therapy, these rolls are a delightful twist on a classic that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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