Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.

Roll out pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle. Transfer it to the baking sheet.

Add filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture down the center third of the pastry, keeping the sides clean.

Add jam: Mix the strawberry jam with zest if using. Spoon it over the cream cheese layer.

Cut strips: On both long sides of the filling, cut 1-inch wide strips at an angle to create a fringe.

Braid the pastry: Starting at one end, fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides to form a braid.

Brush and sugar: Mix milk and vanilla together. Brush this over the top of the pastry. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.

Cool and serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temp.