Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls offer a delicious combination of delicate floral notes from lavender and the refreshing tang of lemon. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any occasion where you want to impress with something unique and delightful. The subtle fragrance of lavender, paired with the zesty citrus flavor, makes these rolls a crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results will have your taste buds dancing!
What Are Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls?
Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls are a sweet, yeasted bread that’s filled with a blend of lavender, lemon zest, and sugar, creating a unique flavor profile. The dough is soft and pillowy, and as the rolls bake, they create a pull-apart effect, making each piece perfect for a sweet, indulgent bite. The finishing touch is a tangy glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice, which adds a sweet and sour contrast to the soft, rich rolls.
These rolls are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your senses. The aroma of fresh lavender and citrus fills the kitchen as you prepare them, making it a perfect recipe to bake on a lazy Sunday morning or to surprise your loved ones with a unique homemade treat.
Origin of Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls
The concept of lemon and lavender in baked goods is rooted in European culinary traditions, especially in France, where lavender is often used in sweet and savory dishes. Lavender adds a fragrant, floral essence that pairs beautifully with the fresh zest of lemon. These pull-apart rolls, while not traditional in the strictest sense, bring together the essence of these classic European ingredients in a modern and accessible way.
The pull-apart roll format is a popular choice for many yeasted breads because of its ability to create tender, melt-in-your-mouth layers. This type of bread has been popular for generations, with variations ranging from cinnamon rolls to more adventurous flavors like this lemon-lavender pairing. This recipe elevates the classic pull-apart rolls by introducing floral lavender and tangy lemon to create a comforting yet sophisticated treat.
Ingredients for Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50g) sugar
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warm
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tbsp sugar
- 1–2 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Make the Dough:
Begin by combining your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl: flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract together. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the dough starts to come together.
Once the dough has formed, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to knead the dough on medium speed for 5–7 minutes.
2. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough should double in size during this time, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
3. Prepare the Filling:
While the dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and crushed culinary lavender. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Shape the Rolls:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll the dough out into a rectangle that’s about 12×16 inches in size. Spread the lavender filling evenly over the dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Next, cut the dough into 6–8 strips lengthwise. Stack the strips on top of each other and then cut the stack into small cubes, approximately 2 inches each. Place the cubes in a greased 9×13-inch pan, arranging them slightly overlapping for that signature pull-apart effect.
5. Second Rise:
Cover the pan with a clean towel and allow the rolls to rise for 30–45 minutes. They should puff up nicely, becoming light and airy.
6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25–30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The rolls should sound hollow when tapped on top.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before glazing.
7. Glaze:
While the rolls cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice (and vanilla, if desired) in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Drizzle the glaze over the warm rolls to give them a shiny, tangy finish.
Variations
While the Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls are already delicious as is, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste. Here are some variations you can try:
- Add Lemon Extract: For a more intense lemon flavor, try adding a teaspoon of lemon extract to the glaze or the dough itself.
- Substitute Lavender: If lavender isn’t your thing, you can experiment with other floral herbs like chamomile or rose petals. Just make sure to use culinary-grade herbs to ensure they’re safe to eat.
- Use Honey Instead of Sugar: For a more natural sweetness, substitute the sugar in the dough and filling with honey or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon and Sugar Twist: If you prefer a more traditional flavor, you can replace the lavender and lemon with cinnamon and sugar to make a classic cinnamon pull-apart bread.
FAQs
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge after the first rise. When you’re ready to bake, simply let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and continuing with the recipe.
2. Can I use dried lavender from my garden?
It’s important to use culinary lavender that’s specifically grown for cooking, as lavender used for ornamental purposes can be too strong and may contain chemicals. Be sure to crush the lavender to release its flavors.
3. How should I store the rolls?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
4. Can I make these rolls without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer can make kneading easier, it’s not essential. You can knead the dough by hand on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic.
5. How can I adjust the sweetness of the rolls?
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sugar in both the dough and filling. You can also adjust the glaze to your liking by using less powdered sugar or more lemon juice.
Conclusion
Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls are a delightful treat that combines the delicate floral notes of lavender with the bright, refreshing flavor of lemon. These soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your taste. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a batch of these irresistible rolls that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in something sweet, these rolls are sure to impress.
So go ahead, try out this recipe, and enjoy the perfect balance of citrus and floral flavors in every bite. Happy baking!
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Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls: A Delightful Recipe with a Citrusy Twist
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Lavender Pull-Apart Rolls are a sweet, yeasted bread that’s filled with a blend of lavender, lemon zest, and sugar, creating a unique flavor profile. The dough is soft and pillowy, and as the rolls bake, they create a pull-apart effect, making each piece perfect for a sweet, indulgent bite. The finishing touch is a tangy glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice, which adds a sweet and sour contrast to the soft, rich rolls.
Ingredients
For the Dough
3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) sugar
2 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt
¾ cup (180ml) whole milk, warm
¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
2–3 tbsp sugar
1–2 tsp dried culinary lavender, finely crushed
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Glaze
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix warm milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic (or use a stand mixer with a dough hook).
2. First rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the filling
Mix softened butter, sugar, lemon zest, and crushed lavender until combined. Set aside.
4. Shape the rolls
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle, roughly 12×16 inches.
Spread the filling evenly over the dough.
Cut the dough into 6–8 strips lengthwise.
Stack the strips on top of each other, then cut the stack into cubes (~2 inches each).
Place the cubes cut side up in a greased 9×13-inch pan, slightly overlapping for a pull-apart effect.
5. Second rise
Cover and let the rolls rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
6. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before glazing.
7. Glaze
Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice (and vanilla if using) until smooth.
Drizzle over warm rolls for a shiny, tangy finish.
Notes
Light, fragrant, and slightly sweet, these rolls are perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. The bright citrus notes of lemon pair beautifully with the subtle floral aroma of lavender, making each bite a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1–1.5 hours for rising)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Bread / Sweet Roll
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion / Bakery
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Lemon lavender rolls, lavender pull-apart rolls, lemon pull-apart rolls, lemon lavender bread, fluffy lemon lavender rolls
