Description
A festive and stunning holiday pastry featuring golden braided dough, a creamy raspberry cream cheese filling, and a sweet glaze with sliced almonds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until frothy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, melted butter, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour. Mix until soft dough forms, adding remaining flour as needed.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
- Roll dough into a 10×18-inch rectangle. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Spread on dough, then spoon raspberry preserves on top.
- Roll tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice lengthwise down the middle and twist the two halves with cut sides up. Shape into a ring and pinch ends together.
- Transfer to prepared baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly. Drizzle with icing made from powdered sugar and milk, then sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the ring to avoid leaking.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Add lemon zest to the filling for a citrusy twist.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Christmas tea ring, raspberry cream cheese, holiday baking, festive dessert, braided bread