Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through the kitchen. Growing up, weekend mornings were filled with the comforting aroma of warm spices and sweet dough rising in the oven. But as much as I loved the classic cinnamon rolls, I always craved something a little fresher and fruitier. That’s when I discovered the perfect combination—tart raspberries swirled into soft cinnamon dough and finished with a bright lemon glaze.

This recipe for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze is perfect for beginners. The dough is easy to work with, the filling is bursting with fruity sweetness, and the final drizzle of lemon glaze ties it all together with a refreshing tang. Whether you’re making these for a special brunch or just treating yourself, this recipe will guide you through every step to ensure success.

Why This Recipe is Special

These raspberry cinnamon rolls take a classic comfort food and give it a bright, fruity twist. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, which rely solely on warm spices and sugar, this version introduces a balance of flavors with tart raspberries and citrusy lemon. The result? A light yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any season.

• Beginner-friendly – The dough is soft and easy to work with, making it ideal for first-time bakers.
• Balanced sweetness – The cinnamon and sugar blend beautifully with the tartness of fresh raspberries.
• Versatile – These rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
• Make-ahead option – You can prepare the rolls the night before and bake them fresh in the morning.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before getting started, let’s break down the key ingredients and their roles in this recipe.

Dough

• Flour – Provides structure and gives the rolls their fluffy texture.
• Yeast – Helps the dough rise and gives it a light, airy consistency.
• Milk – Adds richness and moisture.
• Butter – Enhances flavor and keeps the dough soft.
• Sugar – Slightly sweetens the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Eggs – Provide structure and contribute to a tender crumb.

Filling

• Raspberries – Bring a natural tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Sugar – Helps to macerate the raspberries and draw out their juices.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Butter – Helps bind the filling together and enhances richness.

Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
• Lemon juice and zest – Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you don’t have raspberries, you can use blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
• Swap cinnamon for cardamom or nutmeg for a different spice profile.
• Instead of lemon, try orange or lime zest for a different citrusy twist.
• To make it vegan, replace milk with almond or oat milk, butter with vegan butter, and eggs with flax eggs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. In a separate bowl, whisk together lukewarm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Raspberry Filling In a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon. Finely chop or mash the raspberries, then toss them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This helps the berries release their juices and blend with the spices.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle (about 12×18 inches) on a floured surface. Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the raspberry-cinnamon filling on top, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 4: Roll and Slice the Dough Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Use a sharp knife or dental floss to cut the log into 12 even rolls. Place them cut-side up in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Second Rise Cover the rolls loosely and let them rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Bake Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 7: Make the Lemon Glaze While the rolls are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve Once the rolls come out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle the lemon glaze over the top. Serve warm and enjoy.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Make sure your yeast is fresh – If your yeast doesn’t bubble when mixed with warm liquid, it may be expired.
• Proof the dough in a warm place – A slightly warm oven (turned off) or a sunny spot in your kitchen works well.
• Use dental floss to slice the rolls – This prevents the dough from being squished.
• If using frozen raspberries, use them straight from the freezer to prevent excess moisture.
• Chill the rolled dough before slicing – This makes cutting cleaner and prevents too much filling from spilling out.

Serving Suggestions

These raspberry cinnamon rolls pair wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or tea – The tart raspberries and citrus glaze contrast beautifully with a strong coffee.
• A side of scrambled eggs or frittata – Adds a savory balance to the meal.
• A fresh fruit salad – Complements the berry filling and makes for a refreshing addition.
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt – Adds a creamy element for extra indulgence.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individually for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Baking these Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze is a rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. The combination of warm cinnamon, tart raspberries, and zesty lemon glaze creates a treat that feels both cozy and refreshing. Try them for your next weekend breakfast or special occasion, and let me know how they turn out in the comments. Happy baking!

FAQ About Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

More Relevant Recipes

• The Best Fudgy Chewy Browkies (Brookies) – Savvy Bites
• Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs – 2 Ways – the most Requested Dessert for Summer Parties.

Print