Ingredients

2¾cupsall purpose flour,spooned and leveled

3tbspgranulated sugar

1tspsalt

2¼tspred star platinum yeast,(1 package), or any instant yeast

½cupwater

¼cupwhole milk

2½tbspunsalted butter

1large egg

¼cupunsalted butter,softened to room temperature

¾cupgranulated sugar

2medium lemons,zested

½vanilla bean,scraped seeds, or ½ tsp vanilla extract

4ozcream cheese,softened to room temperature

1cupconfectioner’s sugar

2medium lemon,juiced

lemon zest,extra, for garnish, optional

Preparation

Set aside ½ cup of flour. In a large bowl, toss the 2¼ cups of flour, sugar, salt, and yeast together until evenly dispersed. Set aside.

Heat the water, milk, and butter together in the microwave to about about 115 degrees F until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot to touch.

Stir the butter mixture into the flour mixture. Add the egg and only enough of the reserved flour to make a soft dough.

On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 3 to 4 minutes. Place in a lightly greased bowl and let rest for about 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Stir it around until the mixture becomes sandy.

After the dough has sat for 10 minutes, roll it out into a 14×8-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the softened butter on top.

Sprinkle the lemon-sugar filling all over. Roll up the dough tightly. Cut into 11 to 12 even pieces and place in a lightly greased 9-inch round pan.

Sprinkle the uncooked rolls with additional lemon zest at this point, if desired.

Loosely cover the rolls with aluminum foil and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free place for 60 to 90 minutes.

Turn the oven off. Place the rolls inside oven and allow to rise.

After the rolls have doubled in size, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until lightly browned.

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.

Add the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice and beat on medium-high until creamy.

Frost the warm rolls and sprinkle with additional lemon zest. Enjoy!