Delight your senses with the Vanilla Citrus Tea Ring, a show-stopping pastry that combines the comforting sweetness of vanilla with the bright zest of fresh oranges. This beautifully braided ring features a soft, buttery dough swirled with a cinnamon-brown sugar filling, all baked to golden perfection. Finished with a luscious orange glaze, each slice delivers a perfect balance of warmth and citrusy sweetness. Ideal for brunch spreads, holiday gatherings, or as a tea-time centerpiece, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an elegant treat. With its inviting aroma, impressive presentation, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this Vanilla Citrus Tea Ring is sure to become a favorite!
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until the mixture is warm (120-130°F) but not boiling. Remove from the heat.
Add the warm milk mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest. Continue mixing until the dough becomes cohesive.
Gradually add the remaining 1.5 cups of flour, 1/2 cup at a time, kneading the dough either by hand or using the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer. Knead for about 8-10 minutes or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside.
After the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 16x10-inch rectangle.
Brush the melted butter evenly over the rolled-out dough. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the surface.
Starting at one long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
Shape the log into a ring and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pinch the ends together to seal the ring.
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, make cuts around the ring about 1 inch apart, cutting two-thirds of the way through the dough. Carefully turn each section slightly outward to expose the filling.
Cover the tea ring loosely with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise for another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the tea ring for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let the tea ring cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before glazing.
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled tea ring.
Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!
Calories |
1854 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.1 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 48.1 g | 241% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 401 mg | 134% | |
| Sodium | 2562 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 271.4 g | 99% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 261.4 g | ||
| Protein | 18.3 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.7 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 450 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 728 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.