• Make the cream cheese filling. Combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.

How to make Puff Pastry Braid

• Place the thawed puff pastry onto a floured flat surface. Roll it out to flatten. Make about 3½ inches mark on both sides. Cut the top 2 x 3½ inches triangle corners off and begin cutting strips diagonally down the sides of the pastry. About 12 to 14 strips on each side. Cut off the remaining flaps at the bottom.
• Filling the puff pastry. Spoon and spread evenly the cream cheese filling on the middle of the puff pastry sheet. Leave 2 inches to fold the top and bottom. Then add the thickened cranberry sauce or jam on top of the cream cheese. Spoon and spread evenly.
• To make puff pastry braid. Begin from the top of the pastry sheet crossing over each strip, alternating between sides. Before you cross over the last 2 strips, fold in the bottom middle flap.
• Brush the top with egg wash. If desired, add sliced almonds.

  Air Fryer- Bake in the preheated air fryer at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until puffy and golden.

  Oven- Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until puffy and golden.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes on the baking pan. Then carefully transfer on a cooling rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
• Make the glaze. Combine milk, vanilla and powdered sugar in. Drizzle the glaze over it. Garnish with fresh cranberries.