![butter braid butter braid](http://everydaydishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/braided-dog-collar-everydaydishes_com-B1.jpg)
![butter braid butter braid](https://uploads.weconnect.com/5697a23db8b961a51b2320fc2fca628221462aa2/dj4bon8q09yj7xevmnxnhy9k1al.jpg)
Use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to cut 15 1-inch strips on both sides of dough (be careful not to cut parchment paper). Spread apple butter over the cream cheese layer. Use an offset spatula to spread cream cheese mixture down the center of the dough, leaving a 4-inch border on each side and a 1-inch border at the top and bottom. Gently punch down dough and roll out into a 12 x 15-inch rectangle on prepared baking sheet. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and dust lightly with flour.Combine cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth. While the dough rises, prepare the filling.If indentations remain, dough has risen enough.
![butter braid butter braid](https://www.labraidfundraising.com/prod/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/butter-braid-cherry-2.jpg)
To check if dough is ready, lightly flour two fingers and press them down into center of dough. Let the dough rise in a warm place until puffy, about 50 to 60 minutes. Place dough in a large bowl coated with nonstick spray and cover with plastic.The dough is ready when it feels tacky but doesn’t stick to your fingers. Switch out the flat beater for a dough hook, and knead dough for 3 to 4 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding remaining 1/4 cup (35 g) of flour 1 tablespoon at a time (if necessary) to prevent dough from sticking. Add 2 cups (280 g) flour and mix in at low speed until a soft dough forms, about 2 to 3 minutes. For the dough, combine sugar, cream cheese, butter, salt, vanilla, egg, and sponge in a large mixer bowl beat at medium speed for 1 minute until combined.Whisk together warm milk, sugar, yeast, and flour in a medium bowl cover loosely with plastic wrap and let stand 15 minutes. For the sponge, heat milk in a microwave-safe measuring cup for 45 seconds to 1 minute, until very warm (120-130☏).