GLAZED CINNAMON BRAIDS

Glazed Cinnamon Braids image

This recipe has been a tradition in my family for many years. The red-hot candies give this bread such a yummy flavor and will be sure to be a hit in your home as well. -Georgia Stull, Harrisonville, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 loaves (12 slices each).

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
2 teaspoons salt
5 to 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
FILLING:
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup red-hot candies
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, softened
GLAZE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% 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.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 8g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 214mg sodium, Carbohydrate 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.