CHERRY-CHEESE TEA RING

Cherry-Cheese Tea Ring image

Cherries and almonds make the perfect pair in this delightful tea ring. It's great for breakfast or brunch, and the cream cheese layer makes it extra-indulgent.-Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 1 ring (12 slices).

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
FILLING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 jar (10 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
3/4 cup chopped almonds
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
4 teaspoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add egg and extract; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and extract until smooth. Punch dough down and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Roll into a 14x7-in. rectangle. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly to within 1/2 in. of edges. Sprinkle with cherries and almonds. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal., Preheat oven to 375°. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet; pinch ends together to form a ring. With scissors, cut from outside edge to two-thirds of the way toward center of ring at 1-in. intervals. Separate strips slightly; twist to allow filling to show., Bake 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm tea ring.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 375 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 50mg cholesterol, Sodium 196mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.