Cream Cheese Braids Recipes

CREAM CHEESE BRAIDS

Steps:

• For the dough, dissolve the yeast in the water in a small bowl.
• In large mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, salt and eggs until well combined.
• Add the yeast mixture to the bowl and mix well.
• Add half of the sour cream and 1/2 of the flour at a time to the mixer.
• Cover dough and refrigerate overnight.
• For the filling, combine all ingredients until smooth.
• Divide the dough into 6 even balls.
• Roll out each ball into about an 8x12 inch rectangle on lightly floured surface.
• Spread one-sixth of the filling among the six dough rectangles, down the center of the roll.
• Roll the rectangles jelly roll style beginning at the long side.
• Pinch edges together and fold ends under slightly.
• Place the rolls seam side down on greased baking sheets.
• I can fit two rolls on each cookie sheet.
• Slit each roll at 2-inch intervals to resemble braid.
• Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm area.
• The dough should double.
• Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare glaze by combing all ingredients.
• While warm, spread the braids with the glaze.

APRICOT-CREAM CHEESE BRAID

Steps:

• To prepare dough, combine the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat; cool. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large bowl, let stand 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream mixture and 2 eggs. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Gradually stir flour into sour cream mixture (dough will be soft and sticky). Cover dough; chill 8 hours or overnight.
• To prepare filling; combine preserves and next 4 ingredients (preserves through 1 egg) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended.
• Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Turn each portion out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 4 or 5 times. Roll each portion into a 12x8 inch rectangle. Spread one-fourth of filling over each portion, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Starting at a long side, carefully roll up each portion "jellyroll fashion"; pinch seam and ends to seal.
• Place 2 loaves on each of 2 baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Cut 4 (1/4-inch deep) "X"s in top of each loaf with scissors. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85 degrees), free from drafts, 25 minutes or until doubled in size.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place 1 baking sheet in oven (cover remaining loaves to keep from drying). Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until lightly browned Repeat procedure for remaining loaves. Cool loaves slightly.
• To prepare glaze, combine powdered sugar , milk and 1tsp. vanilla extract, stirring with a whisk. Drizzle warm loaves with glaze.