Name: Swedish Tea Ring Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup warm water; 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 egg; 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 cups flour; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup almond paste (or one full block); 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons butter, softened (for frosting only); 1-3 teaspoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; Slivered almonds; Maraschino cherries, drained

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 38 reviews

If you’re searching for a show-stopping baked good to wow your friends and family, look no further than this delightful Swedish Tea Ring Recipe. It’s a tender, fragrant ring of sweet yeast dough filled with luscious almond paste and brown sugar, all wrapped up in aromatic cardamom. The final touch of creamy frosting or a delicate glaze crowned with slivered almonds and maraschino cherries makes it a dazzling centerpiece for breakfast or afternoon tea. This classic Scandinavian treat is as joyful to make as it is to eat, offering layers of flavor and a warm, cozy charm that fills your kitchen with happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface with a red cloth nearby. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with white flour with a small dip in the center. Near it, a white plate holds two light yellow butter blocks and a block of orange-colored cheese-like substance placed on the cloth. Next to these, there is a single white egg, a glass jug filled with cream or milk, a small clear glass bowl with white granulated sugar, another clear bowl with brown sugar, and a small white square bowl with dry yeast. Scattered cardamom pods and a black measuring spoon with some white powder are also visible. The whole scene looks like ingredients ready for baking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Swedish Tea Ring Recipe is in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and texture that makes this ring truly special.

Milk (3/4 cup): Scalded and cooled milk ensures a tender crumb and activates the yeast gently.
Sugar (1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon): Adds sweetness and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
Warm water (1/4 cup): The ideal temperature wakes up the yeast without killing it.
Yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons): The magic behind the fluffy, risen dough.
Butter (1/4 cup softened, plus 4 tablespoons for frosting): Brings moisture and richness to the dough and frosting.
Egg (1): Adds structure and richness.
Flour (3 ¼ to 3 ½ cups): The base of your dough, providing structure and texture.
Ground cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): The signature aromatic spice giving the ring its Scandinavian flair.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
Almond paste (1/2 cup or one full block): The star filling that imparts a sweet, nutty depth.
Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed): Adds caramel warmth to the almond filling.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Essential for making frosting or glaze smooth and sweet.
Milk (1-3 teaspoons for frosting/glaze): Adjusts consistency for perfect spread or drizzle.
Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the almond flavor beautifully.
Slivered almonds: Adds crunch and elegance on top.
Maraschino cherries: For color and a nostalgic finishing touch.

How to Make Swedish Tea Ring Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Start by heating your milk until scalding hot, then let it cool slightly so it’s warm but not too hot to kill the yeast. Meanwhile, dissolve one teaspoon of sugar in the warm water and add the yeast, giving it time to bubble and wake up. This lively yeast mixture is the heartbeat of your dough, ensuring that lovely rise and fluffiness.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining sugar and add the egg, stirring until well combined. Pour in both the yeast mixture and scalded milk. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and that fragrant cardamom. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough forms and isn’t sticky. This slow addition gives you control over the dough’s texture for a perfectly soft yet manageable base.

Step 3: Kneading and Rising

Knead your dough for about five minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If you’re lucky enough to have a mixer with a dough hook, it makes this step a breeze. Place your dough in a greased bowl, cover it gently with a kitchen towel, and set it aside to rise until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1 ½ hours and is where the magic happens as the yeast transforms your dough.

Step 4: Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, combine the almond paste, brown sugar, and softened butter in a bowl. Cutting the almond paste into small pieces helps it blend easily, creating a smooth, rich filling bursting with nutty sweetness. This filling will be the luscious surprise inside your tea ring.

Step 5: Shaping the Tea Ring

Once your dough has doubled, roll it out into a 15-by-9-inch rectangle. Drop small mounds of the almond filling all over the surface—no need to spread it perfectly since the rolling will distribute it. Roll the dough tightly lengthwise into a log, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Now comes the fun part: snip the ring about two-thirds through at 1-inch intervals using kitchen scissors. Gently twist each section onto its side, revealing those beautiful swirls of filling.

Step 6: Second Rise and Baking

Set your shaped tea ring aside to rise again until doubled, about one hour. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the ring for 25 to 30 minutes, watching as it turns golden brown and intoxicating aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 7: Decorating the Tea Ring

Once cool, you can dress your Swedish Tea Ring Recipe in two delightful ways. For the buttercream frosting, whisk powdered sugar, softened butter, milk, and almond extract until creamy and spreadable, then pipe it lovingly over the ring. Or mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract into a silky glaze for a lighter finish. Either way, top the ring with slivered almonds and bright maraschino cherries to make this treat as beautiful as it is tasty.

How to Serve Swedish Tea Ring Recipe

The dish is a circular, ring-shaped dessert with about 12 slices joined together on a white plate with scalloped edges. Each slice has three visible layers: a golden brown outer dough, a creamy light yellow filling in the middle, and bits of a crumbly walnut-like texture near the filling. White whipped cream lines the top of each slice in narrow vertical stripes, each topped with a single bright red cherry. Thin almond slices are gently placed on the whipped cream on some slices. A red sheer ribbon is partially visible under the plate. The background has festive holiday decorations with green leaves and red berries on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Slivered almonds bring a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender dough, while the maraschino cherries add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color. These garnishes are more than decorative; they elevate the flavor and make every slice a treat for the eyes and palate alike.

Side Dishes

Serve this tea ring alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea to complement its buttery almond flavors perfectly. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can add freshness and lightness, balancing the richness of the pastry.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing the tea ring into individual servings for a buffet or brunch table, arranging the pieces in a circular pattern to echo the ring’s shape. Or present the whole ring on a pretty platter decorated with edible flowers for a festive gathering—trust me, it’s an instant conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Swedish Tea Ring Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. This way, the dough stays soft and the frosting or glaze remains luscious.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked and cooled tea ring wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Defrost it overnight at room temperature for a fresh-from-the-oven taste that’s hard to resist.

Reheating

To gently warm your tea ring leftovers, place them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This brings back the freshly baked aroma and soft texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond paste with marzipan?

Absolutely! Marzipan is sweeter and slightly softer than almond paste, so it will work well as a filling but might make the tea ring a touch sweeter. Adjust the brown sugar accordingly if you prefer less sweetness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with a dairy-free alternative or margarine. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the dough the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated overnight after the first rise. Just allow it to come back to room temperature and complete the shaping and second rise before baking.

What is the purpose of cardamom in this recipe?

Cardamom adds a unique aromatic warmth and subtle spiciness that complements the almond filling perfectly, giving the tea ring its traditional Scandinavian flavor profile.

Can I use a different nut paste?

While almond paste is traditional and gives the best flavor, you could experiment with pistachio or hazelnut pastes for an interesting twist, though the flavor will, of course, differ from the classic.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish Tea Ring Recipe is a true labor of love that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or a cozy weekend treat, its tender crumb and rich almond flavors will delight everyone lucky enough to share it. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this sweet Scandinavian treasure your own—trust me, it’s as rewarding to make as it is to savor.