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3 Ingredient Lemon Bread Rolls Recipe


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4.2 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These 3 Ingredient Lemon Bread Rolls offer a simple and refreshing twist on traditional bread rolls. Combining vanilla yogurt, fresh lemon juice and zest, and self-rising flour, this recipe uses straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, resulting in soft, fluffy rolls with a bright lemon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or alongside meals, these bread rolls are easy to make with a fermentation resting period that develops flavor and texture without complicated steps.


Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 cups (500g) vanilla yogurt
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp lemon zest

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups (528g) self-rising flour

Optional

  • Egg white wash (for brushing tops)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lemon Yogurt Mixture: In a large glass mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla yogurt, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined, creating a tangy and fragrant base for the dough.
  2. Create the Dough: Add the self-rising flour to the yogurt mixture. Using a spatula or your hand, mix gently until all flour is fully incorporated and a shaggy dough forms. If the dough feels dry with any unincorporated flour, add a small splash of water to ensure no dry spots remain.
  3. Ferment the Dough: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or use a proofing container with a lid. Refrigerate the dough for 6 hours or overnight. During this time, the dough will become wetter and stickier, allowing fermentation to develop flavor and texture. Before baking, let the dough come to room temperature for 60 minutes while still covered.
  4. Preheat and Prepare Oven: Approximately 20 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe metal baking dish on the lower rack and fill it halfway with water to create steam. Position the rack for the bread baking just above the water tray to prevent over-darkening of the rolls.
  5. Stretch and Fold the Dough: With wet hands, stretch one side of the dough upward and fold it over the center. Repeat this stretching and folding process for all eight sides to develop dough structure.
  6. Divide the Dough: Generously flour a work surface with self-rising flour, then carefully turn the dough out seam side down. Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into 12 equal portions, preferably weighing each piece for uniformity.
  7. Shape the Rolls: Shape each portion into a ball by pulling the edges to the center, pinching to seal, and rolling the seam side down under your hand to form a tight, smooth ball.
  8. Arrange for Baking: Place the shaped rolls spaced about 1.5-2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with egg white wash for a smoother, shinier finish.
  9. Bake the Rolls: Place the baking sheet on the rack above the water tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also cut one open to confirm doneness.
  10. Cool and Store: Transfer the rolls to a wire rack to cool for approximately 30 minutes before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer and reheat before eating to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Using self-rising flour is essential as it contains baking powder and salt, which help the dough rise without additional yeast.
  • If the dough feels too dry during mixing, add a splash of water sparingly to achieve the right consistency.
  • Allowing the dough to ferment overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the rolls.
  • Applying an egg white wash before baking results in a smooth, glossy crust, but it is optional.
  • Always weigh dough portions for even-sized rolls and uniform baking.
  • Steam created by the water in the oven helps keep the rolls moist and promotes a tender crust.
  • Ensure the dough comes to room temperature before shaping and baking for best results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American