Day 8, Lemony Sweet Rolls

Lemony Sweet Rolls

As the holiday season comes to an end I always turn my focus to Spring, despite the fact that Winter has just barely started.

One of the flavors that always seems like a light and refreshing change from the spicy flavors of fall and winter is lemon.  I love all things lemon. This recipe is lemon in lemon topped with lemon, how can you go wrong? 

Lemony Sweet Rolls

Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients:

1 boxed Lemon Cake Mix

2 1/2 - 3 cups All Purpose Flour

1 pkg (1/4 oz) Active Dry Yeast

1 1/4 cup Warm Water (120*-130*)

For Filling:

3/4 cup Granulated Sugar

Zest of Two Lemons

1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Butter, melted

For Icing:

4 oz Cream Cheese, room temperature

1 cup Powdered Sugar

Juice of Two Lemons

Directions:

1. Combine cake mix, 1 cup flour and yeast in large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Add water. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes.  

2. Stir in additional flour 1/2 cup at a time just until soft dough forms. (dough will still be sticky)

3. Turn soft dough out onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently just 6-8 times.  Do not over knead as this will create tough dough.

4. Place dough ball in a greased bowl. 

5. Cover with plastic wrap sprayed with non stick cooking spray and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approx 2 hours.

6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until well blended.

7. Once dough has risen, punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18x10 inch rectangle.

8. Brush dough with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar/zest mixture.

9. Roll up jelly-roll style along the long side of the rectangle. Pinch seam to seal.

10. Cut crosswise into 12 even slices.  Place cut side up in a greased 13x9 baking pan.  

11. Cover with a clean towel and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approx 1 hour.

12.  Bake 20-25 minutes in a preheated 350* oven until puffed and lightly browned.  Cool Slightly. 

13. Beat cream cheese, lemon juice and powdered sugar until a drizzle consistency is reached, if too tart or if you'd prefer a thicker icing you can add additional powdered sugar, mixing until desired consistency is reached. 

14. Drizzle over warm rolls and enjoy!

We had to sample the two end pieces right away 😉

Starting Grocery Budget $100

Day 8 Balance Remaining $84.64

Question of the Day, What are your favorite flavors you associate with Spring?

Answering the question of the day in the comments will get you entered to win a Toastmaster 10 x 16 Griddle.  I will randomly choose the winner from those entered on January 31st.