Ring-a-ling Sweet Rolls
A timeless breakfast favorite with a delicate almond filling and a light orange glaze.
Few morning treats spark joy quite like a sweet roll fresh from the oven. These Ring-a-Ling Sweet Rolls are a delightful twist on the classic—less sticky, less sugary, and more balanced in flavor. Instead of the usual cinnamon overload and heavy icing, they feature a subtle almond filling and a gentle orange juice glaze that brightens each bite.
This recipe has stood the test of time since 1955, when Bertha Jorgensen of Portland, Oregon submitted it to a recipe contest. One taste, and it’s easy to see why it became a prizewinner.
🧾 Ingredients
| For the Dough | |
|---|---|
| 4 to 4½ cups all-purpose flour | divided |
| ½ cup sugar | divided |
| 2 tsp salt | |
| 2 tsp grated orange peel | zest of 1–2 oranges |
| 2 packets dry active yeast | |
| 1 cup whole milk | |
| ⅓ cup butter | |
| 1 egg |
| For the Filling | |
|---|---|
| 1 cup powdered sugar | |
| ⅓ cup butter | softened |
| 1 cup ground almonds | |
| ½ tsp cinnamon | |
| ¼ tsp nutmeg |
| For the Glaze | |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp powdered sugar | |
| ¼ cup orange juice |
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix 2 cups flour, ⅓ cup sugar, salt, orange peel, and yeast.
In a saucepan, gently warm milk and butter (do not boil). Add to flour mixture along with the egg.
Beat with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in remaining flour by hand until a stiff dough forms. - First Rise
Cover dough and let rise in a warm place for 35–50 minutes, until doubled in size. - Prepare the Filling
While dough rises, mix powdered sugar, softened butter, ground almonds, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside. - Shape the Rolls
Roll dough into a 22″x12″ rectangle. Spread filling over half the dough lengthwise.
Fold the dough over the filling. Cut crosswise into 20–22 strips.
Twist each strip 4–5 times and shape into swirls. - Second Rise
Place shaped rolls on lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes. - Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Uncover rolls and bake for 9–12 minutes. - Glaze & Finish
Mix glaze ingredients. Brush rolls with glaze and return to oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.
