Festive Cranberry Orange Tea Ring: A Holiday Baking Delight
Baking during the holidays is more than just making treats; it’s about creating memories, filling your home with warmth, and sharing joy with loved ones. This Cranberry Orange Tea Ring recipe perfectly embodies that spirit. The bright, citrusy aroma of orange combined with the tartness of cranberries makes this ring a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a special holiday breakfast, this tea ring will be a welcome addition to your festive table.
## Why This Cranberry Orange Tea Ring Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together. It’s a carefully crafted balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why it works so well:
* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of cranberries and oranges is a classic for a reason. The sweet and tangy orange beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries, creating a vibrant and refreshing flavor profile.
* **Yeast Dough:** Using a yeast dough gives the tea ring a soft, airy texture. The enriched dough (with butter, eggs, and milk) provides richness and moisture, ensuring a tender crumb.
* **Cranberry Orange Filling:** The filling is the star of the show. The cranberries are softened and plumped with orange juice and zest, creating a flavorful and juicy center for the ring.
* **Orange Glaze:** A simple orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the finished tea ring, enhancing the overall presentation.
* **Visual Appeal:** The ring shape itself is festive and inviting. The vibrant red cranberries and the golden-brown dough create a visually stunning treat that’s perfect for the holidays.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the dough, filling, and glaze:
**For the Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**For the Cranberry Orange Filling:**
* 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
* 2 tablespoons orange zest
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**For the Orange Glaze:**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
* ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Saucepan
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper (optional)
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Wire rack
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create your perfect Cranberry Orange Tea Ring:
### Part 1: Making the Dough
1. **Proof the Yeast:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. **Add Remaining Wet Ingredients:** Add the melted butter and lightly beaten egg to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
3. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. You can use a stand mixer with a dough hook or mix by hand.
4. **Knead the Dough:** If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rise is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the dough.
### Part 2: Preparing the Cranberry Orange Filling
1. **Combine Filling Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. **Cook the Filling:** Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. **Add Butter:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter. This will add richness and shine to the filling.
4. **Cool the Filling:** Let the filling cool completely before using it in the tea ring. This prevents the filling from melting the dough and making it soggy.
### Part 3: Assembling the Tea Ring
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
3. **Spread the Filling:** Spread the cooled cranberry orange filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border along one of the long sides. Sprinkle the chopped nuts (if using) over the filling.
4. **Roll Up the Dough:** Starting from the long side opposite the border, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal it.
5. **Form the Ring:** Carefully transfer the log to the prepared baking sheet. Gently shape the log into a ring, bringing the ends together and pinching them to seal.
6. **Make Cuts:** Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, make cuts along the outside of the ring, about 1 inch apart, cutting about ¾ of the way through the dough. These cuts will allow you to fan out the sections and create the signature tea ring shape.
7. **Twist the Sections:** Gently twist each section so that the filling is exposed. Alternate twisting each section to the left and right to create a visually appealing pattern.
8. **Second Rise:** Cover the tea ring loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This second rise will ensure a light and airy texture.
9. **Bake the Tea Ring:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tea ring is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
10. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the tea ring from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Part 4: Making the Orange Glaze
1. **Whisk the Glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and creamy. Add more orange juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. **Glaze the Tea Ring:** Once the tea ring has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more precise application.
3. **Let the Glaze Set:** Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the tea ring.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always yield the best results. Make sure your yeast is active, your cranberries are fresh or good quality frozen, and your oranges are ripe and juicy.
* **Don’t Overheat the Milk:** The milk should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. Aim for a temperature between 110-115°F (43-46°C).
* **Knead the Dough Well:** Kneading is essential for developing the gluten in the flour, which gives the tea ring its structure. Make sure to knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
* **Let the Dough Rise Properly:** The rising time is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the dough. Don’t rush the process.
* **Cool the Filling Completely:** Using warm filling can melt the dough and make the tea ring soggy.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry tea ring. Keep an eye on the tea ring while it’s baking and remove it from the oven when it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** If you prefer a less sweet tea ring, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and glaze.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Other Fruits:** Feel free to experiment with other fruits in the filling, such as blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples.
* **Different Nuts:** Use your favorite nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or macadamia nuts.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough or filling for a warm, festive flavor.
* **Citrus Zest:** Experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or grapefruit, to create unique flavor combinations.
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Replace the cranberry orange filling with a cream cheese filling for a decadent twist. Mix softened cream cheese with sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of citrus zest.
* **Vegan Option:** Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) to make a vegan version of this tea ring.
## Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Orange Tea Ring is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Brunch:** Serve the tea ring as part of a festive brunch spread, alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy a slice of the tea ring with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Afternoon Tea:** Serve the tea ring with a pot of your favorite tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
* **Holiday Gift:** Wrap the tea ring in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon to give as a thoughtful holiday gift.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the tea ring in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, wrap the tea ring tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely at room temperature before serving.
## Cranberry Orange Tea Ring Recipe Card
**Yields:** 1 tea ring
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Rise time:** 2 hours
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes
### Ingredients:
**Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) milk, warmed to 110-115°F (43-46°C)
* 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 package) active dry yeast
* ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
**Filling:**
* 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries
* ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
* ½ cup (120ml) orange juice
* 2 tablespoons orange zest
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**Glaze:**
* 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
* ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional)
### Instructions
**Make the Dough:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the melted butter and lightly beaten egg. Stir until combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 6-8 minutes (stand mixer) or 8-10 minutes (by hand) until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled.
**Prepare the Filling:**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (10-15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Let cool completely.
**Assemble the Tea Ring:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12×18 inch rectangle.
3. Spread the cooled cranberry orange filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
4. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
5. Tightly roll up the dough into a log and pinch the seam to seal.
6. Shape the log into a ring on the prepared baking sheet, pinching the ends to seal.
7. Make cuts along the outside of the ring, about 1 inch apart, cutting ¾ of the way through.
8. Twist each section to expose the filling, alternating left and right.
9. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Make the Glaze:**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled tea ring.
3. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Tea Ring!
## Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Tea Ring is a beautiful and delicious addition to any holiday celebration. With its vibrant flavors, soft texture, and festive presentation, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite holiday music, and get baking! The warmth and aroma of this tea ring will fill your home with holiday cheer. Happy Baking!