Butter Rings
Butter Rings are delightful twisted yeast pastries with a rich, buttery flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast or tea, they appeal to those who enjoy warm, freshly baked bread with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying, flaky texture. An indulgent treat for family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the sifted flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Scald the milk and cool it to lukewarm.
- Crumble the yeast into the lukewarm milk and add 2 teaspoons of sugar.
- Let the mixture bubble to activate the yeast.
- Add the yeast mixture to the beaten egg yolks in the cream or condensed milk.
- Mix well until combined.
- Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Next morning, divide the dough into 6 equal parts.
- Roll each part into a thin roll and twist two rolls together to form a ring.
- Place each ring in a greased pie pan.
- Let the rings rise for about 2 hours.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your butter or margarine is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you don't have cream or condensed milk, whole milk can be a substitute, but it may alter the texture slightly. Keep an eye on the dough during rising to prevent over-proofing.
Serving Suggestions
These butter rings are delightful served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside Brandied Peaches for a sweet contrast. Consider using them as a base for mini desserts by adding cream or fruit toppings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover butter rings in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Rings contains roughly 956 calories, with 47g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), iron (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2074mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use active dry yeast instead of fresh yeast in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for fresh yeast. Use about 1/3 of the amount, which is approximately 1/3 cup for this recipe. Activate the yeast in lukewarm milk with sugar before adding it to the mixture, just as directed.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to using old or inactive yeast, or the environment being too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and try placing the dough in a warm, draft-free area covered with a damp cloth to encourage rising. If it still fails, consider starting over with a new batch of yeast.
Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it after the first rise. Shape the rings, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and allow them to rise again before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).