Cream Cheese Braids

Cream Cheese Braids Recipe from Denmark | Ingredients and Method

Region / culture: Denmark | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 loaves

Introduction

Cream Cheese Braids are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. These braids are made with a rich and buttery dough filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese filling. Topped with a sweet glaze, these braids are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

Cream Cheese Braids have been a popular pastry for many years, with origins in Eastern European cuisine. The combination of rich cream cheese filling and sweet dough has been a favorite among bakers and pastry lovers alike. This recipe has been passed down through generations and continues to be a beloved treat for many.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz (227 g)) package sour cream, scalded
0.5 cup sugar
0.5 cup butter
1 tsp salt
2 packages dry yeast
0.5 cup warm water (105°F (41°C) to 115°F)
2 eggs, beaten
4 cup all-purpose flour
filling (recipe follows)
glaze (recipe follows)

Filling

2 (8 oz (227 g)) packages cream cheese, softened
0.75 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
0.13 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze

2 cup sifted powdered sugar
0.25 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine scalded sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt. Mix well and let it cool to lukewarm.
Dissolve yeast in warm water and stir it into the sour cream mixture along with the eggs.
Gradually stir in the flour. The dough will be soft.
Cover the bowl tightly and chill the dough overnight.
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.
Turn each portion out onto a heavily floured surface and knead it 4 or 5 times.
Roll each portion into a rectangle measuring 12 x 8 inches.
Spread one-fourth of the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 0.5 inch margin around the edges.
Carefully roll up each rectangle jellyroll fashion, starting from the long side.
Firmly pinch the edge and ends to seal.
Carefully place the rolls, seam side down, on greased baking sheets.
Make 6 equally spaced x-shaped cuts across the top of each loaf.
Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place (85°F (29°C)), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Bake the rolls at 375°F (191°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
While the rolls are still warm, spread the glaze over them.

Filling

Combine all the ingredients and process them in a food processor or mixer until well blended.

Glaze

Combine all the ingredients and mix them well.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
Top the braids with chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the braids with chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to scald the sour cream to help activate the yeast and create a soft and fluffy dough.

- Chill the dough overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the dough to rise properly.

- When rolling out the dough, make sure to spread the filling evenly to ensure each bite is filled with creamy goodness.

- Be sure to let the braids rise in a warm place to double in size before baking to achieve a light and airy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Cream Cheese Braids are best served warm with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as a sweet treat after dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Scald the sour cream to activate the yeast and create a soft and fluffy dough.

- Chill the dough overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the dough to rise properly.

- Roll out the dough evenly and spread the filling evenly to ensure each bite is filled with creamy goodness.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter.

- Almond or soy milk can be used in place of regular milk.

Make Ahead Tips

Cream Cheese Braids can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cream Cheese Braids on a platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cream Cheese Braids pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Cream Cheese Braids in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cream Cheese Braids contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cream Cheese Braids contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cream Cheese Braids contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cream Cheese Braids contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cream Cheese Braids are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Cream Cheese Braids contain dairy (cream cheese, butter, milk) and eggs.

Summary

Cream Cheese Braids are a rich and indulgent treat that are high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of proteins and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cream Cheese Braids are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. With a rich and buttery dough filled with a sweet and creamy cream cheese filling, these braids are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a sunny afternoon in late spring, and I was rummaging through a box of old cookbooks at a yard sale. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and yellowed piece of paper fell out from between the pages of a cookbook. Intrigued, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Cream Cheese Braids.

I had never heard of Cream Cheese Braids before, but the ingredients listed sounded delicious - cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and puff pastry. My mouth watered just thinking about it. I knew I had to try making it.

That evening, I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions on the recipe. As I mixed the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together, the sweet scent filled the air. I rolled out the puff pastry and spread the creamy mixture on top, before folding it into a braid. I popped it into the oven, and waited anxiously for it to bake.

When the timer went off, I opened the oven door and a golden, flaky braid emerged. It looked and smelled amazing. I couldn't wait to taste it. I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The cream cheese filling was warm and gooey, and the pastry was buttery and crisp. It was love at first bite.

From that moment on, Cream Cheese Braids became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Everyone who tried them raved about how delicious they were. I even started experimenting with different flavors - adding fruit preserves, nuts, and spices to the cream cheese filling.

Over the years, I perfected my recipe for Cream Cheese Braids. I learned to make my own puff pastry from scratch, and experimented with different shapes and designs. I shared the recipe with friends and family, and it became a beloved tradition in our household.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in the kitchen while I was making Cream Cheese Braids. She was curious about the recipe and asked me where I had learned to make it. I smiled and told her the story of how I had found the recipe at a yard sale, and how it had become a treasured favorite in our family.

I showed her how to mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla together, and how to roll out the puff pastry and braid it into a beautiful shape. She watched me intently, asking questions and taking mental notes. I could see the excitement in her eyes as she helped me bake the braids in the oven.

When the Cream Cheese Braids were done, we sat down at the kitchen table and enjoyed them together. My granddaughter took a bite and her face lit up with delight. "These are amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe you learned to make them from a random piece of paper at a yard sale."

I laughed and patted her hand. "Sometimes, the best recipes come from unexpected places," I said. "And now, you have learned how to make Cream Cheese Braids too. It's a tradition that we can pass down through the generations."

As we finished our braids, I felt a sense of contentment and joy. Cooking had always been a passion of mine, and sharing that passion with my granddaughter was a special moment. I knew that she would continue to make Cream Cheese Braids for her own family one day, and that the recipe would live on through her.

The memory of finding that recipe for Cream Cheese Braids all those years ago still brings a smile to my face. It was a simple moment that sparked a lifelong love affair with a delicious treat. And for that, I am forever grateful.