Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls wafting through your kitchen. But what if we told you there was a way to elevate this classic breakfast treat? Enter Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze—a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and warm flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. These rolls are soft, pillowy, and filled with a luscious raspberry-cinnamon filling, all topped with a zesty lemon glaze that adds a burst of freshness. Whether you’re looking to impress your family, serve a decadent brunch, or treat yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

The beauty of these raspberry cinnamon rolls lies in the perfect balance between sweetness, tartness, and spice. While the cinnamon filling offers that warm, nostalgic flavor we all love, the addition of fresh raspberries brings a unique twist that is both refreshing and vibrant. The lemon glaze adds the finishing touch, cutting through the richness of the rolls with a bright, citrusy kick. It’s a flavor combination that feels both indulgent and refreshing at the same time.

But that’s not all. The dough itself is incredibly soft and buttery, yielding a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly easy to make, with simple ingredients and clear instructions to guide you through each step. If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and want to try something new and exciting, this recipe will definitely satisfy your cravings.

Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make these irresistible Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze!

Ingredients of Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering raspberry cinnamon rolls:

The Dough:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast 🍞
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 🍚
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F) 🥛
• 1/4 cup melted butter 🧈
• 2 large eggs 🥚

The Filling:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen) 🍇
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch 🌽
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌿

The Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar 🍬
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 🍋
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for consistency) 🥛

Necessary Tools for Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large mixing bowl 🥣
• Stand mixer or hand mixer (optional, but useful for kneading the dough) 🧑‍🍳
• Rolling pin 🍂
• 9×13-inch baking dish 🍽️
• Small bowl for mixing the filling 🥄
• Whisk for the glaze 🍽️
• Sharp knife or dental floss (for slicing the dough into rolls) 🔪
• Oven mitts 🧤

Once you have your ingredients and tools ready, you’re all set to bake these delectable rolls!

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

One of the best things about baking is that you can customize recipes to suit your tastes or use what you have available in your pantry. Here are some ideas for swapping or adding ingredients to make this recipe your own:

• Flour: If you prefer a whole grain option, you can swap out all or part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty flavor and a bit more texture to the dough.
• Raspberries: While fresh raspberries are ideal, you can use other berries such as strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries. You can also experiment with frozen berries, but be sure to thaw them first to avoid excess moisture.
• Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or dairy-free margarine.
• Lemon Glaze: Also, if you’re not a fan of lemon, feel free to swap it out with orange juice for a more subtle citrus flavor. You could also use vanilla extract or maple syrup to create a different type of glaze.
• Add-ins: For an extra twist, consider adding a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a dash of cardamom to the filling for added flavor complexity.

For a deeper dive into the rich history of cinnamon rolls, you might find this article insightful !

Step-by-Step Instructions of Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the process of making these raspberry cinnamon rolls. Don’t worry; it’s easier than you think!

1. Make the Dough

Start by preparing the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix everything together until the dough begins to form.

At this point, you can either use a stand mixer with a dough hook or knead by hand. If you’re kneading by hand, flour your work surface lightly and knead the dough for 6-8 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, mix on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.

Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Set it aside.

So, if you’re using fresh raspberries, simply rinse them and gently pat them dry. For frozen raspberries, allow them to thaw, then drain any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

3. Shape the Rolls

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 12×18-inch rectangle. Spread the raspberries evenly across the dough, then sprinkle the sugar-cinnamon mixture on top.

Starting from the long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Once rolled, use a sharp knife or dental floss to slice the dough into 12 even rolls.

4. Second Rise

Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the rolls inside, making sure they are close together. Cover the dish and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes.

5. Bake the Rolls

After that, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the rolls have risen, place them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t over-brown.

6. Make the Glaze

While the rolls are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Finally, once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm rolls, and get ready to enjoy the sweet, tangy, and cinnamon-spiced goodness.

Pro Tips for Success of Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

• Don’t rush the rising process: Allow the dough to rise fully, as this ensures soft and fluffy rolls.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using warm milk and room temperature eggs will help the dough come together more easily.
• Raspberries and moisture: Be sure to drain excess moisture from frozen raspberries before adding them to avoid soggy rolls.
• Roll tightly: Moreover, when rolling the dough, make sure it’s tightly wound to create a better texture and more even slices.
• Glaze consistency: Adjust the glaze by adding more milk if needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These raspberry cinnamon rolls are perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to holiday brunches. Here are some fun ideas for serving them:

• Pair with coffee or tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of Earl Grey tea makes the perfect complement to these sweet rolls.
• Serve with fresh fruit: Moreover, a side of mixed berries or sliced citrus adds freshness and balances the richness of the rolls.
• Topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream: Then, for an indulgent treat, serve the rolls with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storing and Reheating of Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Storing: Place the cooled rolls in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the rolls in a warm oven (around 350°F) for about 5-10 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warm. Drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.

Nutritional Information

Each Raspberry Cinnamon Roll with Lemon Glaze contains approximately:

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 4g

Enjoy these rolls as an occasional treat to satisfy your sweet cravings while still keeping things balanced.

FAQs – Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, take it out and let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

3. What other fruit can I use in place of raspberries?

You can substitute raspberries with other berries like blueberries, blackberries, or strawberries.

4. Can I make these cinnamon rolls gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check if the yeast is also gluten-free.

5. How do I get the rolls to bake evenly?

Make sure to arrange the rolls in the baking dish tightly, but not too crowded, so they rise and bake evenly.

Conclusion

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze are a true game-changer for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls but craves a new twist. The sweet and tart raspberries blend perfectly with the warm cinnamon, while the tangy lemon glaze adds a refreshing touch. Whether you’re serving these rolls at a special brunch or enjoying them as a weekend treat, they’re sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and deliver that homemade comfort everyone loves. With their irresistible combination of flavors, these rolls are bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give them a try today—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

For another delicious twist on classic cinnamon rolls, try our Soft Banana Cinnamon Swirl Rolls—perfect for a sweet, fruity breakfast or snack!

Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

These soft and buttery cinnamon rolls are filled with tart raspberries and warm cinnamon, then topped with a zesty lemon glaze for a perfect sweet and tangy treat. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or any time you're craving something special.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 Rolls

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin
• Baking dish (9x13-inch)
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• For the dough:
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup warm milk 110°F
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• For the filling:
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• For the lemon glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk adjust for consistency

Instructions

 

• Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until a soft dough forms, then knead for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Roll out the dough into a 12x18-inch rectangle and spread raspberries evenly across it. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the raspberries.
• Shape the rolls: Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Slice into 12 even rolls and place them in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
• Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over warm rolls and serve.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative and use dairy-free butter.
You can substitute raspberries with other berries such as blueberries or blackberries.
Make the dough ahead of time and let it rise overnight in the fridge for a quick morning bake.