Lemon Dinner Rolls
Lemon Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and subtly tangy with a citrus twist, perfect for family dinners, brunches, or special occasions that call for warm, homemade bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix lemon cake mix, yeast, and salt together in a large bowl.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of very warm water to the mixture.
- Gradually add flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Let the dough rise for 1 hour or more in a warm place.
- Flour a clean countertop well for rolling out the dough.
- Take out a large handful of dough and pat out to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Repeat the process 4 or 5 times, each time cutting out rounds with a biscuit cutter and placing them on greased cookie sheets, almost touching.
- Allow the cut-out rolls to rise for another hour or more.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute half the cake mix with all-purpose flour, adjusting the liquid accordingly. Ensure your water is warm but not hot to protect the yeast. For a twist, try using a different cake mix flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon dinner rolls pair beautifully with roasted chicken or fish. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as a side to a hearty soup. For a delightful brunch, enjoy them with a citrus-infused butter or jam. They also make a wonderful addition to any holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Dinner Rolls contains roughly 163 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 682mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different cake mixes such as vanilla or orange for unique flavors. Just keep the ratios the same, and adjust the liquid as needed to maintain the dough's consistency.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn't rising, it may be due to the yeast being expired or the water being too hot or cold. Ensure the water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), and check the yeast's expiration date. If the dough is still not rising, consider placing it in a warmer location.
How can I make these rolls vegan?
To make these lemon dinner rolls vegan, simply replace the cake mix with a vegan-friendly alternative and ensure that the yeast is also plant-based. You can also use a plant-based butter or oil for greasing the baking sheets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).