GLAZED CINNAMON BRAIDS

Glazed Cinnamon Braids image

Provided by Chrystal Cackler @journeyrock92

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 package(s) (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup(s) warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup(s) warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 - eggs
1/2 cup(s) sugar
1/4 cup(s) shortening
2 teaspoon(s) salt
5-5 1/2 cup(s) all purpose flour
FOR THE FILLING
1 cup(s) chopped pecans
1/2 cup(s) red hot candies
1/4 cup(s) sugar
2 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
2 tablespoon(s) butter, softened
FOR THE GLAZE
1 cup(s) powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla
1-2 tablespoon(s) milk

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, eggs, sugar, shortening, salt and 3 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the pecans, red-hots, sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
Punch dough down. Divide in half. On a greased baking sheet, roll out one portion into a 12x10-in. rectangle. Spread 1 tablespoon butter down the center; sprinkle with half of the pecan mixture. On each long side, cut 1-in.-wide strips about 2-1/2 in. into center. Starting at one end, fold alternating strips at an angle across filling. Pinch ends to seal. Repeat with remaining dough, butter and pecan mixture. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. In a small bowl, combine confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over loaves. Serve warm.