Classic Swedish Tea Ring Recipe: A Festive Holiday Pastry & Fika Tradition

Imagine your Christmas table, beautifully set, with a show-stopping Swedish Tea Ring at its heart, glistening with a sweet glaze and adorned with festive red and green cherries. This isn’t just any pastry; it’s a delightful journey into a beloved Scandinavian tradition. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, cinnamon-spiced bread and a warm, melting brown sugar filling. While it’s made with yeast, don’t let that intimidate you – this recipe is designed for ease, requiring no overnight rise. Prepare to enchant your guests and bring a genuine smile to everyone’s faces with this impressive yet surprisingly simple pastry wreath, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting “fika” break.

Why This Swedish Tea Ring Holds a Special Place in My Heart

Sweden has gifted the world a treasure trove of delicious treats, from the crumbly goodness of my Swedish Butter Cookies to the savory delight of Swedish Meatballs, but among them all, this authentic Swedish Tea Ring recipe stands out as my absolute favorite. It’s more than just a pastry; it’s a cherished family legacy, deeply intertwined with my most treasured holiday memories. Every single Christmas Day, without fail, my mother would lovingly prepare this pastry for our family. The aroma of cinnamon and warm bread was as much a part of Christmas morning as the twinkling lights and carols.

After my mom passed away suddenly, the holidays became incredibly challenging without her vibrant presence. Yet, each year, I find solace and joy in honoring her memory by recreating her exact tea ring recipe. Sharing this tradition with my own children allows me to keep a piece of her alive and present at our table, even if she can’t physically be there. It’s a beautiful way to pass down not just a recipe, but a feeling of warmth, love, and continuity.

For those unfamiliar, a Swedish Tea Ring is a delicious, circular yeast pastry, reminiscent of a Danish Kringle but with its own unique charm. It’s typically filled with a rich combination of cinnamon and brown sugar, then topped with a delicate, sweet icing. While this recipe follows my mother’s traditional method, you absolutely have the freedom to customize it! You could omit the icing for a simpler look, experiment with different toppings like nuts or candied fruits, or even change the spice profile. But for me, the magic lies in following the path my mom paved, ensuring every bite is infused with the same love and tradition.

The Rich History and Cultural Significance of the Swedish Tea Ring

Interestingly, the detailed historical origins of this particular Christmas day pastry are somewhat elusive, adding to its mystique. What we do know is that serving a delectable tea ring on Christmas Day is a deeply ingrained tradition across Sweden. It’s not just about the food itself, but about the ritual: gathering with loved ones, sharing heartfelt conversations, and enjoying a warm beverage alongside this delightful sweet treat. It’s a cornerstone of holiday hospitality, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

Beyond Christmas, Swedes have a wonderful daily practice known as “fika.” Often simply translated as “coffee break,” fika is profoundly more significant. It’s a cherished cultural institution, emphasizing the importance of intentionally pausing from daily tasks to connect with others, savor a moment of peace, and indulge in a sweet pastry – very often a tea or coffee ring – with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It’s about being present, fostering connection, and appreciating the simple pleasures of life. The concept of fika resonates deeply with me; in our increasingly busy world, the idea of a truly intentional break, dedicated to human connection and mindful enjoyment, is something we could all benefit from incorporating more into our lives. This Swedish Tea Ring, with its comforting flavors and communal presentation, perfectly embodies the spirit of fika.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Swedish Tea or Coffee Ring

Don’t be daunted by the inclusion of yeast in this recipe! It’s a straightforward process, and with one crucial tip, you’ll achieve a perfect rise every time. The key to activating your active dry yeast is the temperature of your milk. Ensure it’s very warm, ideally around 120 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 49 degrees Celsius). If the milk is too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly, leading to a dense dough. If it’s too hot, it can kill the yeast, with similar undesirable results. A quick check with a kitchen thermometer will ensure success.

Bread Ingredients: Crafting the Perfect Dough

• Bread Flour: This is preferred over all-purpose flour due to its higher protein content, which develops more gluten. This extra gluten provides the dough with better structure and chewiness, essential for a light, airy tea ring.
• Sugar: Not just for sweetness, sugar also feeds the yeast, aiding in the fermentation process and giving the bread a delicate crumb.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is vital for flavor balance and also helps to control the yeast activity, preventing it from rising too quickly.
• Active Dry Yeast: The leavening agent that makes the bread light and fluffy. Make sure it’s active and not expired!
• Very Warm Milk (120 degrees F): As mentioned, crucial for activating the yeast.
• Egg: Adds richness, color, and helps bind the dough, contributing to a tender texture. A beaten egg integrates more smoothly.
• Butter – Softened: Softened butter incorporates more easily into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture and richer flavor.

Tea Ring Filling: The Heart of the Flavor

• Butter – Softened: Provides a rich base for the filling and helps the sugar and cinnamon adhere to the dough.
• Brown Sugar (Packed): Adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the filling, creating that irresistible gooey texture when baked. Make sure to pack it firmly when measuring.
• Sugar (Granulated): Contributes to the overall sweetness and helps create a subtle crunch in the baked filling.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for this pastry, providing its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
• Candied Red and Green Cherries (Optional): Perfect for a festive touch, especially during the Christmas season. They add bursts of color and a delightful chewiness. You can also use other candied fruits or chopped nuts.

How To Master This Delightful Fika Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing Your Dough with Precision

Begin by combining 2 cups of your bread flour with the sugar, salt, and active dry yeast in the bowl of your stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to gently mix these dry ingredients. Next, gradually add the very warm milk, beaten egg, and softened butter. Continue mixing until all these ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture forms a shaggy dough. Slowly incorporate the remaining flour, adding it a little at a time until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive mass. Switch to your dough hook attachment and knead the dough on medium speed for approximately 5 minutes. This process develops the gluten, making your dough smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free spot. Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size, which typically takes about 25 minutes, depending on the warmth of your environment.

Step 2: Crafting the Flavorful Filling and Preparing Your Pan

While your dough is rising, prepare the rich cinnamon-sugar filling. In a small bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients well until they are evenly distributed. This fragrant mixture will be the heart of your tea ring’s flavor. Set this bowl aside. Next, prepare a large baking pan. A standard cookie sheet or jelly roll pan works perfectly. Lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the pastry from sticking. This step ensures easy removal and a beautifully browned bottom crust. Once greased, set the pan aside, ready for the assembled tea ring.

Step 3: Assembling Your Tea Ring: Roll, Spread, and Form

Once your dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Lightly flour a clean work surface, such as a countertop or a large pastry mat. Transfer the dough to the floured surface and roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 20 inches long by 12 inches wide. Aim for an even thickness throughout. Next, spread the softened butter generously over the entire surface of the rolled-out dough, reaching almost to the edges. Evenly sprinkle your prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture over the butter. With the long side of the rectangle facing you, carefully begin rolling up the dough into a tight, long log. Once rolled, pinch the seam along the entire length of the log to seal it securely. Bring the two ends of the log together to form a ring, and firmly pinch the ends together to seal, ensuring no filling escapes during baking. Carefully transfer the circular log onto your prepared baking sheet, placing it seam-side down for stability.

Step 4: The Signature Twist: Creating the Wreath Shape

Now for the iconic look of the Swedish Tea Ring! Using a pair of sharp kitchen scissors, make cuts around the ring at 1 to 1 ½-inch intervals. It’s crucial not to cut all the way through the log; you want to leave about a half-inch uncut at the inner edge, allowing the ring to remain intact. After making each cut, gently pull up the section of dough you’ve just sliced and give it a small twist, then lay it back down on the baking pan, slightly offset. Continue this around the entire ring, creating a beautiful, open, wreath-like appearance that exposes the cinnamon-sugar layers. Once twisted, cover the ring loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise again in a warm place until it has doubled in size. This second rise makes the pastry incredibly light and fluffy.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection and Final Touches

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Once preheated and your tea ring has completed its second rise, carefully place the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tea ring is beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning. Once baked, remove the tea ring from the oven and allow it to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a classic festive finish, decorate your cooled Swedish Tea Ring with the optional candied red and green cherries, artfully placed in the twists. You can also drizzle it generously with a simple powdered sugar glaze (made by whisking powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water until smooth) for an extra touch of sweetness and shine. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy this delightful pastry!

Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Tea Rings

Delightful Variations for Your Swedish Tea Rings

While my mom’s traditional recipe holds a special place, one of the joys of baking is the freedom to get creative! Once you’ve mastered the basic yeast dough, the possibilities for customizing your tea ring are endless. You can truly make this pastry your own, much like popular versions found in cookbooks like Betty Crocker’s.

• Zesty Lemon Twist: Brighten up your tea ring by adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to your powdered sugar icing. This creates a sweet and tangy lemon glaze that beautifully complements the cinnamon filling.
• Nutty & Fruity Medley: Fold a variety of finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds) and/or other candied fruits (like chopped dried apricots or raisins) into the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Spiced Dough Innovation: Infuse more flavor directly into the bread by adding warm spices like a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, a dash of nutmeg, or a hint of cardamom (a classic Scandinavian spice!) to the dough ingredients.
• Cream Cheese Danish-Style: For a decadent twist, spread a rich cream cheese filling over the butter layer before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. A simple cream cheese filling can be made by beating softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract.
• Decadent Chocolate Glaze: Instead of a simple powdered sugar icing, create a luscious chocolate glaze by melting chocolate chips with a touch of butter and milk, then drizzling it generously over the cooled tea ring.
• Seasonal Flavor Combinations: Think outside the box! Experiment with other seasonal fillings like poppy seed paste, almond paste, or even a fruit preserve for unique and delicious variations.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

If you loved baking this Swedish Tea Ring, you might enjoy exploring more delightful treats from my kitchen:

• Lemon Blueberry Scones
• Brioche Cinnamon Snowflake
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones
• Rustic Berry Tart
• Cinnamon Twists

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Swedish Tea Ring

Servings:
1

Author:
Countryside Cravings

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Prep Time:

1 hour hr
15 minutes mins

Cook Time:

30 minutes mins

Total Time:

1 hour hr
45 minutes mins

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Ingredients

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  3 1/2 cups bread flour
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  1/4 cup sugar
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  1 teaspoon salt
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  1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
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  1 1/4 cups very warm milk 120 degrees F
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  1 egg beaten
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  3 tablespoons butter softened
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  Filling
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  5 tablespoons butter softened
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  1/2 cup brown sugar packed
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  1/2 cup sugar
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  1 tablespoon cinnamon
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  candied red and green cherries optional

Instructions

• In the bowl of your stand mixer using the paddle attachment combine 2 cups of the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Add warm milk, egg and butter until well combined. Slowly add in remaining flour until the dough starts to come together. Change to your dough hook and knead for 5 minutes. Cover and allow to rise until double in a warm place. (About 25 minutes)
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine the brown sugar, sugar and cinnamon for the filling of the tea ring, set aside. Lightly grease a large baking pan and set aside.
• Punch dough down and roll out to a 20″x12″ rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture. With the long side facing you begin to roll up the dough into a long log. Seal the seam by pinching the dough together. Bring the ends together and pinch the dough together to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet seam side down.
• Using a pair of kitchen scissors cut the dough in 1 to 1 1/2″ sections around the ring be careful not to cut the whole way through. Gently pull up each section and give it a small twist and lay back on the pan. Cover and let rise until double.
• Bake in a 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned. Decorate with optional candied cherries. Also may drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze.

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