Homemade Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls

Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls are a delightful homemade pastry featuring soft, tender dough wrapped around a sweet almond and cinnamon filling. Infused with fresh orange zest and finished with a bright orange glaze, these beautiful spiral-shaped rolls bring together comforting flavors and a lovely citrus aroma. They’re a wonderful choice for holiday baking, weekend breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or an afternoon treat with your favorite cup of coffee or tea.

The secret to these sweet rolls is the delicious combination of buttery dough, crunchy chopped almonds, warm cinnamon, and fragrant almond extract. As the rolls bake, they develop a golden exterior while staying soft and fluffy inside. The almond filling adds a rich, nutty sweetness, while the orange glaze provides a refreshing citrus finish that balances every bite. Their charming twisted shape also makes them look extra special on any dessert table.

Whether you’re preparing a festive breakfast for Christmas morning or simply want to make something homemade for your family, Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls are worth the effort. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape the rolls, and bake them when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy them slightly warm with the sweet orange glaze for a comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Why You Will Love It:

• Soft and fluffy texture: The homemade yeast dough creates tender rolls with a deliciously light interior.

• Sweet almond filling: Chopped almonds, cinnamon, and almond extract deliver a rich, nutty flavor.

• Fresh citrus flavor: Orange zest in the dough and orange glaze adds a bright, refreshing touch.

• Beautiful spiral shape: These elegant rolls look impressive on breakfast tables and holiday dessert platters.

• Perfect for special occasions: Serve them at Christmas brunch, family gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or celebrations.

• Wonderful homemade aroma: The combination of warm cinnamon, toasted almonds, and fresh orange makes your kitchen smell amazing.

   

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided

• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest

• 2 packets active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons each)

• 1 cup whole milk

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter

• 1 large egg

For the Almond Filling:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup finely chopped almonds

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

• 1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed

Instructions:

1. Start the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, the salt, orange zest, and yeast. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.

2. Warm the milk mixture: Heat the milk, butter, and remaining ¼ cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter has mostly melted and the mixture is comfortably warm, not hot.

3. Mix the dough: Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Gradually mix in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.

4. Knead and rise: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, chopped almonds, cinnamon, and almond extract. Mix until evenly blended.

6. Shape the rolls: Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into strips. Gently twist each strip several times and curl it into a loose spiral, tucking the end underneath.

7. Second rise: Arrange the rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for 25–30 minutes.

8. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly.

9. Make the orange glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.

10. Glaze and serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls

Treat yourself to homemade Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls featuring fluffy dough, crunchy almonds, warm cinnamon, and a refreshing orange glaze. Try them today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Calories: 212

Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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For the Dough

• 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
• 2 packets active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons each)
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• 1 large egg

For the Almond Filling

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup finely chopped almonds
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
• 1–2 teaspoons milk, if needed

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, the salt, orange zest, and yeast. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
2. Heat the milk, butter, and remaining ¼ cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter has mostly melted and the mixture is comfortably warm, not hot.
3. Pour the warm milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and beat until well combined. Gradually mix in enough of the remaining flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6–8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
5. In a bowl, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, chopped almonds, cinnamon, and almond extract. Mix until evenly blended.
6. Punch down the risen dough and roll it into a large rectangle. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough. Fold the dough in half lengthwise, then cut it into strips. Gently twist each strip several times and curl it into a loose spiral, tucking the end underneath.
7. Arrange the rolls on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving enough space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for 25–30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the rolls are puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly.
9. Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Add 1–2 teaspoons of milk if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
10. Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm rolls. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 8gCalories: 212kcal

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