Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself retreating into my kitchen, where warmth envelops you like a cherished hug. There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly baked rolls, especially when they’re filled with juicy raspberries and tangy lemon cream cheese. These Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls remind me of sun-drenched summer picnics, where sweet fruit danced alongside the sharp zest of lemon, leaving tastebuds tingling with delight.
This recipe brings the joy of those summer moments into the cozy embrace of fall and winter! With every tender roll, you’ll savor the luscious combination of flavors—perfect for an afternoon treat or a festive gathering. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These rolls are irresistibly fluffy and tender, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite at any gathering.
- With the warm touch of sourdough, each bite is a testament to homemade comfort food.
- Easy to follow and perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- The vibrant mix of tart raspberries and creamy lemon filling makes for a delightfully zesty treat.
- Perfectly pairs with a cup of tea or coffee for those cozy afternoons.
- Great for special occasions, weekend brunches, or just because you deserve a sweet moment!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 200 g milk
- 60 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 430 g bread flour
- 5 g salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, juice of half a lemon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, warm the milk until it’s just slightly heated. Add the bubbly sourdough starter and whisk in the granulated sugar and egg until smooth. Gradually add in the bread flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead in the room temperature butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. -
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours. -
Make the Filling
In a saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is bubbling and thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. -
Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up from the long side, pinching the seams to seal them. Slice into rolls and place them on a greased baking pan, allowing them to rise while you preheat the oven. -
Bake and Frost
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. While they’re baking, whip together the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable. Frost the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing the frosting to melt slightly into the nooks and crannies.
Variations & Creative Twists
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar to the filling for a warm, spicy twist.
- Berry Medley: Substitute raspberries with blueberries, blackberries, or a mix for a different burst of flavor!
- Zesty Orange: Swap out lemon for fresh orange juice and zest in the frosting for a bright, citrusy alternative.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle crushed nuts like pistachios or pecans on top of the frosting for an added crunch.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dough and refrigeration overnight for a morning treat; just let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Ingredient Substitutes: If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone works beautifully for a rich and creamy frosting!
- Storage: Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Slicing Tips: Use a sharp serrated knife to slice your rolls after they’ve risen to avoid squishing them.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls ahead of time; just refrigerate shaped rolls overnight, then let them rise before baking. -
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with other berries or flavored creams in the frosting. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate to extend freshness. -
How long do they last?
These delightful rolls are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to 3 days when stored properly.
Final Thoughts
These Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls transport you to a world of cozy kitchens and warm memories with every tender bite. Perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful treat that brightens your day, they’re meant to be shared and savored. Save this Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls to your cozy treats board, so it’s ready when you need a touch of comfort in your life!

Sourdough Raspberry Lemon Rolls
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 200 g milk Just slightly heated
- 60 g sourdough starter, active and bubbly
- 70 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 430 g bread flour
- 5 g salt
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, juice of half a lemon
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, warm the milk until it’s just slightly heated. Add the bubbly sourdough starter and whisk in the granulated sugar and egg until smooth.
- Gradually add in the bread flour and salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead in the room temperature butter until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes.
Let the Dough Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
Make the Filling
- In a saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture is bubbling and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Roll and Fill
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up from the long side, pinching the seams to seal them.
- Slice into rolls and place them on a greased baking pan, allowing them to rise while you preheat the oven.
Bake and Frost
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- While they’re baking, whip together the softened cream cheese, room temperature butter, lemon juice, and powdered sugar until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the warm rolls as soon as they come out of the oven, allowing the frosting to melt slightly into the nooks and crannies.


