FLAKY DANISH BRAIDS

Flaky Danish Braids image

Though this recipe takes a bit of time to make, it's completely worth it. The braids are a special breakfast treat on occasions like Easter or a family birthday. People will take seconds and thirds! -Debbie Ewald, Oak Grove, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 braids (6 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
1 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
6 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup all-purpose flour
Glaze:
2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk

Steps:

In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine milk, butter, egg, sugar, salt, yeast mixture and 2-1/2 cups flour; beat on medium speed 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour., In a large bowl, combine filling ingredients. Punch down dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into four portions. Roll each portion into a 12x8-in. rectangle. Spread each with a quarter of the filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seam to seal., For each roll, starting 1 in. from one end, make two lengthwise cuts, making three sections. Braid the sections together, cut sides up. Pinch ends to seal; tuck under. Place braids on greased baking sheets. Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until almost doubled, about 1 hour., Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool slightly. For icing, in a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over warm braids.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 434 calories, Fat 23g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 235mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.