Start by placing ¾ cup of all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. Add in the sugar, salt, and yeast, and whisk everything together until combined. This mixture forms the base of your dough.
In a separate small bowl, take the lemon zest and combine it with the Italian seasoning. Set this flavorful blend aside for later use. The aroma alone will get you excited!
In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and water along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat the mixture gently until it’s just warm, around 120 degrees F. Be careful not to overheat it, as you don't want to kill the yeast. Remove the saucepan from heat once warmed.
Once your liquids are ready, it’s time to combine them with the dry ingredients. With your mixer set to low, slowly drizzle the warm liquid mixture into the bowl with the flour and yeast. This will help prevent lumps. Mix well until combined.
After all the liquids are incorporated, add in ¼ cup of the remaining flour and increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes. You’ll notice it becomes smooth and slightly tacky.
Next, add in the remaining flour until you can no longer mix with the mixer. Stir in ¾ of the citrus and herb mixture and knead the dough by hand until it forms a smooth ball. This usually takes about 6 minutes.
Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough there. Knead it for a few minutes until it’s elastic and smooth. Then, shape it into a log, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the dough to relax.
While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 220 degrees F. This warm environment is perfect for the rolls to rise.
After resting, cut the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, and place them in a greased cast iron skillet. Make sure to leave some space between each ball to allow for rising.
Cover the skillet with a kitchen towel and place it in the warm oven. Let the rolls rise until they double in size, which should take about 20 minutes. The anticipation is the best part!
Once they’re nice and fluffy, remove the skillet from the oven and preheat it to 375 degrees F.
Now it’s time for the finishing touch! Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe dish and stir in the leftover lemon zest and herb mixture. Brush this buttery blend over the tops of the rolls.
Place the skillet in the oven and bake for around 20 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown. The smell will be irresistible!
Once baked, let the rolls cool to room temperature. You can serve them straight from the skillet or transfer them to a serving plate for a lovely presentation.
