Raspberry Rolls with Lemon Glaze

These raspberry rolls with lemon glaze are a delightful treat, combining the tartness of raspberries with the sweetness of a lemon glaze. They make a perfect breakfast or dessert option that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and 1/4 cup of white sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the yeast is frothy.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the melted butter, eggs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the raspberries evenly. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
2. Add the Filling: Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seams to seal.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12-15 even slices.
5. Second Rise: Place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let them rise for about 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.

Step 4: Bake the Rolls

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake: Once the rolls have risen, bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the rolls are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

1. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Rolls

1. Cool Slightly: Once the rolls are out of the oven, let them cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes.
2. Drizzle with Glaze: Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm rolls, ensuring they are generously covered.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Serve the raspberry rolls warm or at room temperature.
2. Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before serving for the best taste.

Tips for Perfect Raspberry Rolls:

• Yeast Activation: Ensure your milk is lukewarm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast. If the yeast doesn’t froth, it may be inactive, and you’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
• Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. Too much flour will make the rolls dense, while too little will make them difficult to handle.
• Raspberry Filling: Fresh or frozen raspberries can be used. If using frozen, do not thaw them to avoid excess moisture.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the glaze to your preference. A thicker glaze will sit on top of the rolls, while a thinner glaze will seep into them for added moisture and flavor.
• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the rolls during baking. If they brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while allowing them to bake through.

These raspberry rolls with lemon glaze are a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, with a soft, fluffy dough and a bright, zesty finish. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy every bite of these delicious rolls!