Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls Recipe: Soft, Tangy, and Easy to Make!

If you love citrusy desserts and soft, fluffy rolls, you’re in for a treat!

These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls are the perfect combination of bright lemon flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best of all?

They’re surprisingly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend morning, a holiday brunch, or just because you deserve something sweet and zesty.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Lemon Sweet Rolls

• Dairy-Free and Egg-Free: Made with simple vegan ingredients that everyone will enjoy.
• Bursting with Lemon Flavor: A perfect balance of tart and sweet.
• Beginner-Friendly: No need to be a master baker to whip up these rolls.
• Customizable: Add berries, swap flavors, or top them with your favorite glaze!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (180ml) unsweetened plant-based milk (warm, about 110°F)
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegan butter, melted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon Filling:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• ¼ cup (60ml) vegan butter, softened

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp plant-based milk (optional, for a thinner glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the warm plant-based milk, melted vegan butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for about 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Pro Tip: To speed up the rise, preheat your oven to 200°F, turn it off, and place the covered dough inside.

2. Prepare the Lemon Filling

1. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and lemon zest together. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils and intensify the flavor.
2. Add the softened vegan butter and stir until combined.

3. Roll Out and Fill the Dough

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it into a large rectangle (about 16×12 inches).
2. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Cut into 12 even rolls using a sharp knife or dental floss.

4. Second Rise

1. Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving a little space between them.
2. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a towel and let the rolls rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy.

5. Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake the rolls for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
3. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the glaze.

6. Glaze and Serve

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add plant-based milk if needed to thin out the glaze.
2. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Customizations and Tips

Add Berries: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries over the lemon filling for a fruity twist.

Make It Orange: Swap lemon zest and juice for orange to create orange sweet rolls.

Overnight Rolls: Prepare the rolls up to the second rise, then refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning!

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.