Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls with Lemon Glaze

I love baking these raspberry cinnamon rolls with lemon glaze when I want a sweet treat that feels bright and comforting at the same time. The soft, fluffy dough is swirled with a sweet raspberry filling and finished with a tangy lemon glaze that makes every bite irresistible. I find them perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend baking project.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how the tart raspberries balance the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar filling. The lemon glaze adds a fresh, vibrant finish that keeps the rolls from feeling too heavy.

I also enjoy how beautiful they look once baked. The vibrant raspberry swirls make them feel extra special, and they always impress whenever I serve them.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:

all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
active dry yeast
warm milk
unsalted butter, melted
large eggs
salt

For the filling:

fresh or frozen raspberries
brown sugar
ground cinnamon
cornstarch

For the lemon glaze:

powdered sugar
fresh lemon juice
lemon zest
milk

Directions

1. I start by activating the yeast in warm milk with a small amount of sugar and let it sit until foamy.

2. In a large bowl, I mix flour, sugar, and salt.

3. I add the yeast mixture, melted butter, and eggs, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic.

4. I cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. While the dough rises, I prepare the filling by gently mixing raspberries with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.

6. Once risen, I roll the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

7. I spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough.

8. I carefully roll the dough tightly into a log and slice it into even rolls.

9. I place the rolls in a greased baking dish, cover, and let them rise again for about 30–45 minutes.

10. I bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

11. While they cool slightly, I whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a small amount of milk to create a smooth glaze.

12. I drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm rolls before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 cinnamon rolls.

Prep time: 25–30 minutes
Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bake time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add a thin layer of cream cheese inside before spreading the raspberry filling for extra richness. If I want more citrus flavor, I mix a little lemon zest directly into the dough.

For added texture, I sprinkle chopped pecans over the filling before rolling. I also enjoy using raspberry jam instead of fresh berries when I want a smoother swirl.

storage/reheating

I store the rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

When reheating, I warm them in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I sometimes add a fresh drizzle of glaze after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls overnight?

Yes, I often prepare and shape the rolls, then refrigerate them overnight. I let them come to room temperature and rise slightly before baking.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, I use them straight from frozen. I mix them gently with the sugar and cornstarch to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know when the rolls are fully baked?

I look for a golden top and ensure the center roll is fully cooked by checking that it is no longer doughy inside.

Can I freeze raspberry cinnamon rolls?

Yes, I freeze them either baked or unbaked. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

How thick should I roll the dough?

I roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness for soft, fluffy rolls with plenty of swirl.

Conclusion

I truly enjoy making these raspberry cinnamon rolls with lemon glaze because they combine soft, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite. The bright raspberry filling and fresh lemon finish create a beautiful balance that feels both comforting and refreshing. Whenever I want a bakery-style treat at home, this is a recipe I love to bake.

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