Egg Braid

These rich yeast loaves have a surprise inside. Each strip of dough is stuffed with a sweet cream cheese filling before being braided together.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 2 loaves

Ingredients

• DOUGH

• 2  cups bread flour
• 3  cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (1/4ounce) envelope active dry yeast
• 3  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, cut up
• 1  cup water
• 3  large eggs, slightly beaten

• FILLING

• 6  ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1  large egg
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• GLAZE

• 1  large egg, slightly beaten

Directions

1. DOUGH: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup bread flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar and salt.
2. In saucepan, melt butter in water. Let cool to 120°F to 130°F on instant-read thermometer. Add to flour; beat with spoon until combined. Stir in eggs. Stir in remaining bread flour, and all-purpose flour 1 cup at a time.
3. Knead dough on floured surface until smooth, 5 to 10 minutes, adding flour if needed. Place in greased bowl; turn to coat. Cover with towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, 1 hour.
4. FILLING: In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, vanilla and nutmeg until smooth. Set aside.
5. Punch down dough; let rest 5 minutes.
6. Divide dough in half. Cover one half. Divide remaining half into thirds. Roll out a third into 15- x 5-inch rectangle. Spread with 3 tablespoons filling. Roll up from long side. Repeat with remaining 2 pieces.
7. Lightly coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Braid 3 ropes. Tuck ends under. Place on baking sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
8. Repeat with other half of dough for second loaf. Cover; let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
9. Heat oven to 375°F Uncover loaves. Brush with egg glaze.
10. Bake in 375°F oven for 30 minutes or until loaves sound hollow when tapped. Transfer to rack; cool.