Cream Cheese Braids

This is a recipe my mother-in-law and I used to make for Christmas. It was her recipe and hopefully I have deciphered everything correctly from her recipe card. The dough has to refrigerate overnight (not included in preparation time). This recipes may seem complicated but it is really not that difficult. It makes a lovely dessert or breakfast for special occasions or holidays. The braids can be frozen for a couple months. This recipe makes a lot so you can share with others.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Yields: 6 braided loaves

Ingredients

• Dough

• 1  cup butter or 1  cup margarine
• 6  tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 3  large eggs, beaten
• 2 (1/4ounce) packages dry yeast
• 1⁄4 cup water, tepid
• 1  cup sour cream
• 5  cups all-purpose flour

• Filling

• 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 10  tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4  egg yolks
• 4  tablespoons vanilla

• Glaze

• 2  cups confectioners' sugar
• 4  tablespoons milk, more if needed
• 2  teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1  teaspoon lemon juice

Directions

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