Few things can rival freshly baked sweet bread, warm from the oven. And when you roll it up with a luscious cream cheese filling and cover it with a warm vanilla glaze, the result it out-of-this-world delicious. This Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread is a tradition each Christmas morning in our family. Why not bake some this Christmas to start a new tradition of your own?
Cream Cheese-Filled Sweet Bread
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (not reduced fat)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 packages dry yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
- 1/2 cup warm water (105-115 degrees)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Filling (recipe follows)
- Glaze (recipe follows)
Combine sour cream, sugar, butter, and salt in a saucepan; heat until butter melts. Cool to 105-115 degrees. Dissolve yeast in warm water in the bowl of an electric stand mixer or a large bowl; allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream mixture and eggs. Using your mixer’s paddle attachment, gradually stir in flour. (The resulting dough will be sticky.) Cover dough tightly, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Turn each portion onto a heavily floured surface, and knead 4 or 5 times. Roll each portion into a 12- x 8-inch rectangle. Spread one-fourth of the filling over each rectangle, leaving a 1/2-inch margin around the edges. Fold in each of the short sides, and then carefully roll up dough jellyroll fashion, starting at long side. Pinch the seam and ends to seal. Place loaves, seam side down, on greased baking sheets. Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to make 6 equally spaced x-shaped cuts across the top o each loaf.
Cover the loaves and let rise for for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle loaves with glaze while warm.
Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Stir to combine.
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl; whisk together to combine.
Because this recipe yields four generously sized loaves, you can save two for your family and give two away. These make a gorgeous gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a pretty ribbon!
Thanks so much for stopping in!
Amy @ Positively Splendid
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you'll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
@splendidamy
Mama of four, creative enthusiast, craft & DIY blogger. Find me knee-deep in my next project at http://www.PositivelySplendid.com!
Just discovered that my Cameo can cut marine vinyl!! Watch out, @joann_stores ... I'm about to come… http://t.co/B5uystfC6W - 1 day ago
Latest posts by Amy @ Positively Splendid (see all)
- 5 Simple Tips to Improve Your Sewing - May 17, 2013
- Felt Toddler Travel Board - May 16, 2013
- So Pretty! Felt Book Review & Giveaway - May 15, 2013
Hi Amy! I found you through Pinterest. I LOVE this bread idea!!! And the filling possibilities – oh my! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Anna!
I love bread so much I have a Pin board just for it! And with cream cheese and icing? Yes, please! I’ll be trying this one ASAP! Gorgeous pics too!
Thanks so much, Dawn!
Amy–These look absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing an amazing recipe!
How far ahead have you ever made the dough? I see refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Have you ever let it refrigerate for a whole day?
Can this be frozen?
Marsha, I have frozen these with great success. I always wrap tightly in two layers of foil before freezing. To thaw, place on the counter to defrost at room temp.
Thank you for this recipe. I thought my bread machine cinnamon rolls were the best, but this recipe may top them. I’m going to try it this week!
Pinning this recipe for sure. I LOVE how gorgeous this turned out!!
Thanks, nice recipe. For one I tried mixing in frozen raspberries in the cream cheese mixture. It was delicious.
This is gorgeous! Just pinned it! I love making bread and with cream cheese filling, even better!
I have been making these for Christmas presents for about 20 years now. If I am a little late, I have friends wondering where there Cream Cheese Braid is. I make the dough and leave in refrig overnight. I have to make two batches at a time. My son always wants his two or three to take with him. Love it.
Paula, my mother has made these as Christmas gifts for many years, too! How neat that we share a tradition!
Love this! And I know this makes 4 and all but I really just want to keep all of them for myself!