Christmas Tea Ring is a delightful and festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. This recipe is ideal for those looking to impress family and friends with a stunning centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, attending a holiday party, or simply indulging yourself, this tea ring will elevate your Christmas celebrations. Did you know that a traditional tea ring is often filled with various sweet fillings, making it a versatile pastry for different occasions? In this article, we’ll explore a scrumptious version filled with raspberry cream cheese, sure to please any palate!
| Yields | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 servings | 30 minutes | 25 minutes | 55 minutes | 250 calories |
Ingredients for the Christmas Tea Ring
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (110°F)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This step activates the yeast, which is crucial for a fluffy texture in your Christmas Tea Ring.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and eggs. Once combined, add the yeast mixture and softened butter. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Incorporate the flour. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands to bring everything together. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 4: Knead the dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Prepare the filling. While the dough is rising, mix the softened cream cheese and raspberry jam in a bowl until well combined. This will be the luscious filling for your tea ring.
Step 6: Shape the tea ring. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Spread the raspberry cream cheese filling evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 7: Form the ring. Starting from one of the long edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal. Next, bring the ends of the log together to form a circle, pinching to seal them as well.
Step 8: Create decorative cuts. Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make cuts along the outer edge of the ring, about 1 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. This will help create those beautiful layers when baked.
Step 9: Final rise. Place the tea ring on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 350°F.
Step 10: Bake the ring. Brush the top of the ring with the beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!
Step 11: Cool and serve. Once baked, remove the tea ring from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive touch. Enjoy your freshly made Christmas Tea Ring with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 4g |
Watch this fantastic video for a visual guide to making your very own Swedish Tea Ring, a lovely twist on this holiday classic!
Tips and Variations for Your Christmas Tea Ring
- Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough instead of making your own. Look for frozen bread dough for a quick alternative.
- Swaps: Feel free to swap out the raspberry jam for any fruit jam or even Nutella! This versatility allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Decorative Ideas: Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This tea ring pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for cozy gatherings.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Kitchen scissors or knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store your Christmas Tea Ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil; they can last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Perfect Pairings
This Christmas Tea Ring makes a lovely addition to any holiday brunch or tea party. Pair it with a warm spiced chai or a refreshing peppermint tea to complement the flavor of the raspberry filling. For a festive touch, serve it alongside gingerbread cookies or a selection of seasonal fruits.
As you make this delightful Christmas Tea Ring, you’re not only creating a delicious dessert but also a centerpiece that celebrates holiday traditions and family gatherings. The aroma of aromatic spices filling your kitchen will surely get everyone into the festive spirit!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate festive desserts and homemade pastries. And if you enjoyed this recipe, consider subscribing to the blog for more seasonal recipes and baking techniques that will enhance your holiday baking experience!
Q: What is a Christmas Tea Ring?
A: A Christmas Tea Ring is a sweet bread shaped into a ring, often filled with fruits, nuts, or cream cheese, and usually served during the holiday season as a festive treat.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling the day before, then shape the ring and let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning for a warm, delicious treat.
Q: What other fillings can I use besides raspberry?
A: You can use a variety of fillings such as blueberry jam, Nutella, almond paste, or even a mixture of dried fruits and nuts for a different flavor profile.
Q: Is it necessary to use fresh yeast for the Christmas Tea Ring?
A: While fresh yeast works well, active dry yeast is commonly used and will yield excellent results as long as it is activated properly.
Q: How do I know when the tea ring is done baking?
A: The tea ring is done when it turns a golden brown color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An internal temperature of 190°F also indicates that it is fully cooked.
Q: Can I freeze the Christmas Tea Ring?
A: Yes, you can freeze the tea ring. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil after it has cooled. To serve, thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven if desired.
Q: What is the best way to serve a Christmas Tea Ring?
A: Serve the tea ring warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s perfect for brunch or as a festive dessert!
