Christmas-Themed Tea Ring

Ingredients 0/8

Step 1

Rol your bread dough out into a rectangle about 8 inches wide and 15 inches long. Spread softened butter over most of the dough, leaving a half-inch strip along one long edge without butter. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of flour, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered part of the dough.

Step 2

Starting from the long edge opposite the unbuttered strip, roll the dough up tightly into a log, then press the unbuttered edge against the roll to seal it. Lightly grease a 12-inch round cake pan or baking dish, place the dough log inside, and shape it into a ring, pinching the ends together to close the circle.

Step 3

Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make cuts about three-quarters of an inch deep all around the outside of the ring. Gently twist each cut section a little to show off the filling inside. Cover the ring with a clean cloth and set it somewhere warm to rise until it’s doubled in size, which usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 4

When it’s ready, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tea ring for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too fast — if it does, tent it with foil halfway through baking. Once it’s lightly golden, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5

While it cools, whisk together some powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread this over the top of the ring, and you’re ready to enjoy!