Description
Indulge in these professional-quality, bakery-style pastry braids right in your own kitchen. Featuring buttery, flaky layers achieved through careful lamination and a rich, tangy cream cheese filling punctuated by fresh, tart blueberries, these pastries are the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Ideal for elegant brunches or a decadent breakfast, this make-ahead recipe ensures a hot, fresh treat with minimal morning effort.
Ingredients
1 batch pastry dough (flour, yeast, butter, milk, egg, sugar, salt)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg yolk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
Whisk warm water, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar until foamy.
Whisk in milk, egg, salt, and remaining sugar.
Pulse cold butter and flour in a food processor until pea-sized crumbles form.
Fold flour mixture into yeast mixture until just moistened; wrap and chill for 4 to 48 hours.
Roll chilled dough into a 15×8 rectangle, fold into thirds, and repeat three times; chill for 1 to 24 hours.
Divide dough and roll into two 12×8 rectangles.
Combine softened cream cheese, egg yolk, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
Spread filling down the center of each rectangle and top with blueberries.
Cut diagonal strips along the sides and fold over the filling in a braid pattern.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
Notes
Keep butter extremely cold to ensure distinct, flaky layers. The dough can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance for better flavor development and convenience. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg