How to Make a Swedish Tea Ring: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Swedish Tea Ring, also known as a “Vetekrans” in Swedish, is a delightful pastry that beautifully blends sweet and spicy flavors. Imagine biting into a soft, cardamom-infused dough swirled with a buttery, cinnamon sugar filling. It’s a treat that tantalizes the taste buds and evokes a sense of warmth and comfort, perfect for cozy gatherings or a special fika moment.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to create your own Swedish Tea Ring masterpiece. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and visually stunning pastry!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (110°F-115°F)
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools of the Trade:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush

Let’s Get Baking:

Making the Dough:

1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy.

2. Add the wet ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add the melted butter, egg, cardamom, and salt. Mix well to combine.

3. Incorporate the flour: Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a dough hook attachment or by hand until a smooth and elastic dough forms.

4. Knead and rise: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preparing the Filling:

1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Tea Ring:

1. Roll out the dough: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 12 inches by 18 inches.

2. Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cinnamon sugar filling over the surface of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

3. Roll and slice: Starting from the longer side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log. Pinch the seam to seal it. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch slices.

4. Arrange the slices: Place the slices, cut-side up, in a greased 9-inch springform pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between each slice.

5. Second rise: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the rolls rise for another 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Baking the Tea Ring:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tea ring is golden brown and cooked through.

Glazing and Serving:

1. Prepare the glaze: While the tea ring is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Glaze the tea ring: Once the tea ring is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top.

Swedish Tea Ring Close-up

Tips for Baking Success:

• Yeast activity: Make sure your yeast is active by proofing it in the warm milk and sugar mixture. If it doesn’t become foamy after a few minutes, your yeast might be old and you’ll need a fresh batch.
• Cardamom freshness: For the most intense cardamom flavor, use freshly ground cardamom seeds.
• Even filling distribution: Use an offset spatula to spread the filling evenly, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the tea ring while it’s baking to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs About Swedish Tea Rings:

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Simply add it directly to the dry ingredients, omitting the proofing step.

Q: Can I freeze Swedish Tea Ring dough?

A: Absolutely! After the first rise, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: What can I serve with a Swedish Tea Ring?

A: This treat pairs perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For a more decadent experience, serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Swedish Tea Ring on a Table

Explore More Scandinavian Delights:

If you enjoyed this Swedish Tea Ring recipe, you might also like these other Scandinavian treats:

• How to Make Soft Gingerbread Cookies: Dive into the world of Swedish “pepparkakor” with this easy-to-follow recipe.
• How to Make Swedish Visiting Cake: Discover the simple elegance of “Sockerkaka,” a classic Swedish cake perfect for any occasion.
• How to Make Toscakaka: Indulge in the delightful crunch and caramel sweetness of this Swedish almond cake.

We encourage you to embark on this baking adventure and experience the joy of creating a Swedish Tea Ring. Share your baking triumphs with us by leaving a comment below! We’d love to hear about your experience. Happy baking!