Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the Glaze:

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

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Gather these kitchen tools to make your sweet rolls:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients.
• Electric Mixer – For mixing the dough.
• Rolling Pin – For rolling out the dough.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish – For baking the rolls.
• Parchment Paper – To line the baking dish and prevent sticking.
• Whisk – For mixing the glaze.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dough: Heat the milk until warm (not hot) and dissolve the granulated sugar in it. Stir in the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until frothy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the melted butter, eggs, and yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
4. Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a 16×12-inch rectangle. Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough.
5. Shape the Rolls: Starting from one long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log into 12 even pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Second Rise: Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let them rise for about 30 minutes, or until puffy.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Glaze the Rolls: Once the rolls are out of the oven and still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.

Tips and Tricks

• Check Dough Temperature: Make sure the milk is warm, but not hot, to properly activate the yeast. Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold can prevent it from rising.
• Fresh Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh and active for the best results. If the yeast doesn’t bubble after mixing with milk, it may be expired.
• Cooling Before Glazing: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting.

How to Store Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls

Store leftover sweet rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven before serving.

Variations on the Recipe

• Nutty Sweet Rolls: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the filling for added crunch and flavor.
• Cream Cheese Filling: Replace the cinnamon filling with a cream cheese mixture for a tangy twist.
• Fruit-Enhanced Rolls: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries into the filling for a fruity variation.