Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

 

Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls: A Whimsical Twist on a Classic Treat

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about sweet rolls — the kind that fill the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon, sugar, and fresh-baked dough. But if you’re ready to put a playful spin on this beloved classic, look no further than Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls.

As delightful in name as they are in taste, Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls are soft, buttery spirals of dough filled with sweet, spiced goodness and baked in a circular pattern — creating a beautiful ring shape that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you serve them for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch, or a sweet surprise for guests, these rolls bring joy to the table, one pull-apart bite at a time.

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🍩 What Are Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls?

Think of Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls as a cross between a cinnamon roll and a pull-apart bread wreath. Shaped into a ring and often glazed with icing or topped with a sprinkle of sugar, they’re festive, fun, and incredibly satisfying. The "ring" shape isn’t just decorative — it also ensures even baking and makes serving a breeze.

While traditional versions are filled with cinnamon and sugar, these rolls are endlessly customizable. You can dress them up with nuts, dried fruit, orange zest, or even a cream cheese glaze.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or raisins

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Add the melted butter, egg, remaining sugar, and salt. Mix in the flour gradually until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 8 minutes (or 5 minutes using a stand mixer with a dough hook) until smooth and elastic.

Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Roll and Fill

Roll the dough out into a large rectangle (about 10x15 inches). Spread softened butter over the surface, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Add optional nuts or raisins if desired.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces.

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Step 3: Shape the Ring

Arrange the rolls in a circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a greased round pan, leaving a little space between each for rising. Cover loosely and let rise again for 30–45 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

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Step 4: Bake and Glaze

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Let cool slightly before drizzling with glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet, sticky joy of pulling apart each fluffy roll.

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🌟 Tips & Variations

• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a bright twist.

• Maple Glaze: Swap vanilla in the glaze for maple extract for a cozier flavor.

• Holiday Version: Add crushed peppermint or cranberries for a festive touch.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the rolls the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking in the morning.

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🎉 Perfect For:

• Weekend brunches

• Holiday mornings (think Christmas or Easter!)

• Afternoon tea

• Potluck breakfasts

• A sweet surprise for loved ones

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💭 Final Thoughts

Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls are more than just a treat — they’re an experience. From the satisfying swirl of cinnamon-sugar filling to the warm, golden finish of the ring shape, each bite brings a little extra joy. And let’s be honest — any recipe with a name as cheerful as “Ring-a-ling” is destined to become a family favorite.

So go ahead: gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake something that tastes just as lovely as it looks. One slice, one swirl, one sweet moment at a time.