Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls
Introduction
Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls are a nostalgic classic that combines soft, fluffy dough with a rich, sweet filling and a luscious glaze. These rolls are called “Ring-a-ling” because of their round, ring-like shape that makes them extra fun to serve and share. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, holidays, or as a cozy dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
Unlike standard cinnamon rolls, these sweet rolls carry a unique charm with their golden-brown tops, swirls of cinnamon-sugar, and that irresistible drizzle of glaze. Every bite melts in your mouth, making them an all-time family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm milk (not too hot, around 110°F)
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
For the Filling:
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or currants (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Stir in the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Filling and Shaping
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
- Spread the softened butter evenly over the surface.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the buttered dough.
- Add raisins and nuts if desired.
- Roll up the dough tightly from the long side, forming a log.
- Slice into 12–15 equal rolls.
- Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish or round pan, leaving a little space between each one.
3. Second Rise and Baking
- Cover the rolls and let them rise again for 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through.
4. Glazing
- Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm rolls right out of the oven.
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
- Swap raisins with mini chocolate chips for a kid-friendly twist.
- Place parchment paper under the rolls to catch any caramelized sugar overflow.
- These rolls freeze well—just bake, cool, and store in an airtight container.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls warm with your favorite hot beverage. They’re delightful for holiday mornings, family brunches, or as a sweet gift for friends. The combination of gooey filling and soft dough will make everyone ask for seconds.