We’ve all fallen for the magic of holiday baking, and our Crescent Roll Candy Cane recipe is no exception. It’s a festive twist on simple crescent rolls, shaped into a whimsical candy cane that’s perfect for Christmas parties or family treats.
This easy creation brings together buttery dough and sweet surprises, making it a crowd-pleaser that captures the season’s joy. We’ve crafted it with straightforward steps so you can impress without the fuss.
Ingredients
To craft our irresistible Crescent Roll Candy Canes, we start by assembling these essential ingredients in the order we’ll use them. This selection ensures a perfect balance of buttery dough and sweet fillings for your holiday baking adventures.
- Crescent Roll Dough: 2 cans (8 ounces each), refrigerated and ready to unroll, forming the flaky base that gives our treats their signature shape.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened at room temperature, to create a smooth and creamy filling that adds rich indulgence.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, sifted, for sweetening the filling and providing that classic candy cane gloss.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, pure and aromatic, to enhance the flavor profile as we mix the filling.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: ½ cup, finely crushed, to incorporate a festive crunch and mimic the traditional candy cane stripe.
- Cherry Preserves or Pie Filling: ½ cup, for adding a vibrant red swirl that evokes the candy cane’s colors and tart sweetness.
- Egg: 1 large, beaten, for an egg wash that helps achieve a golden-brown finish on the dough.
- Sprinkles or Nonpareils: ¼ cup, holiday-themed, to sprinkle on top for extra visual appeal and a fun texture once baked.
Required Tools
To create our festive Crescent Roll Candy Canes with ease and precision, we gather the essential tools that streamline the baking process. These items ensure our dough shapes perfectly into candy cane forms while achieving that golden, irresistible finish.
We recommend organizing tools in the order they are used, from preparation to baking and cooling. Here’s a detailed list:
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy, rimmed baking sheet is crucial for placing our shaped Crescent Roll Candy Canes. We opt for one that’s non-stick or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: This versatile liner protects the baking sheet and makes cleanup effortless. We use it to line the sheet before arranging the candy cane shapes for a flawless release.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls are necessary—one for combining ingredients like cream cheese and powdered sugar, and another for the egg wash. We choose bowls with secure grips for safe mixing.
- Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the refrigerated crescent roll dough into a smooth base. We prefer a non-stick rolling pin to avoid tearing the dough while shaping our holiday treats.
- Pastry Brush: This tool helps us apply the beaten egg wash evenly over the candy canes, giving them a shiny, professional glaze. We find a silicone brush easiest to clean and use.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for our ingredients, so we rely on a set of these for items like powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Look for ones with clear markings to avoid errors.
- Knife or Pizza Cutter: Used for precisely cutting the dough into candy cane strips. We recommend a sharp knife for clean edges that maintain the festive shape.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, this elevates our Crescent Roll Candy Canes to cool evenly and prevent sogginess. We always have one handy to preserve the treats’ texture.
By preparing these tools ahead, we make our holiday baking session efficient and enjoyable, turning simple ingredients into stunning Crescent Roll Candy Canes.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and tools, let’s guide you through crafting our festive Crescent Roll Candy Canes with ease and precision. We will break down the process into simple, step-by-step actions to ensure delicious results every time.
Prepare the Dough
First, we unroll the refrigerated crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, we combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with a sweet, tangy aroma that hints at the holiday flavors to come. Next, we gently stir in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing crunch that adds a festive twist.
Assemble the Candy Cane
With our dough prepared, we divide it into 4 equal rectangles and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each, topping it with 2 tablespoons of cherry preserves for a burst of tart sweetness that complements the dough’s buttery layers. We then roll each rectangle into a log and shape it into a candy cane form by curving one end, ensuring the Crescent Roll Candy Cane maintains its iconic holiday silhouette. For a golden finish, we brush the tops with 1 beaten egg using a pastry brush and sprinkle on holiday-themed sprinkles, creating a visually appealing treat that promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Bake
We preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking. Carefully, we place the assembled candy canes on the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for expansion, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a golden brown and emit an irresistible aroma of warm, buttery dough infused with peppermint. Monitor closely to achieve the perfect flaky exterior without overbrowning.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, we remove the candy canes from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack for 10 minutes, allowing the treats to set and develop their full flavor profile with a crispy outside and soft, gooey center. Finally, we serve our Crescent Roll Candy Canes warm or at room temperature, paired with hot cocoa for an enhanced holiday experience that showcases their vibrant colors and satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Crescent Roll Candy Canes is their flexibility for holiday prep—we can streamline your baking schedule by preparing components ahead of time without sacrificing that fresh-baked flavor and festive appeal.
Preparing the Filling in Advance
To get a head start, we recommend making the cream cheese mixture up to 2 days before assembly. In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies until fully incorporated. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This not only saves time on baking day but also allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of your Crescent Roll Candy Canes.
Assembling Ahead of Time
For even more convenience, we can assemble the candy canes entirely up to 24 hours in advance. After unrolling the refrigerated crescent roll dough and dividing it into rectangles as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, spread the prepared cream cheese mixture and 1/2 cup of cherry preserves onto each rectangle. Roll them into logs, shape into candy cane forms, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover the sheet loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove them from the fridge, brush with the beaten egg wash, and add your holiday-themed sprinkles for that eye-catching finish.
Freezing for Later Use
If you’re planning further ahead, we suggest freezing the assembled Crescent Roll Candy Canes for up to 1 month. Arrange the shaped candy canes on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F and add 5-7 minutes to the original baking time of 12-15 minutes. Always check for a golden-brown color to ensure they’re perfectly baked, maintaining their signature crisp exterior and gooey center.
| Make-Ahead Option | Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese Mixture | Airtight container in fridge | 2 days | Stir before using to restore texture |
| Assembled Candy Canes | Covered baking sheet in fridge | 24 hours | Apply egg wash and sprinkles just before baking |
| Fully Assembled Candy Canes | Freezer-safe bag or container | 1 month | Extend baking time by 5-7 minutes from frozen |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve followed along with our Crescent Roll Candy Canes recipe
It’s a fun twist that adds holiday cheer without the fuss
Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite
Here’s to creating sweet memories this season
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crescent Roll Candy Canes?
Crescent Roll Candy Canes are festive holiday treats shaped like candy canes, made from refrigerated crescent roll dough filled with cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, crushed peppermint, and cherry preserves. They’re easy to bake and perfect for Christmas gatherings, offering a buttery, sweet crunch that pairs great with hot cocoa.
What ingredients do I need for Crescent Roll Candy Canes?
You’ll need refrigerated crescent roll dough, softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, crushed peppermint candies, cherry preserves or pie filling, a beaten egg for egg wash, and holiday sprinkles. These ingredients create a balanced mix of flavors and textures for a simple yet impressive treat.
What tools are required to make them?
Essential tools include a baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat, mixing bowls, a rolling pin, pastry brush, measuring cups and spoons, a knife or pizza cutter, and a cooling rack. Organizing them beforehand ensures a smooth baking process for these festive candy canes.
How do I make Crescent Roll Candy Canes step by step?
Start by unrolling the dough and mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla with peppermint. Divide dough into rectangles, spread with the mixture and cherry preserves, roll into logs, and shape into candy canes. Brush with egg wash, add sprinkles, and bake at 375°F until golden. Cool on a rack before serving.
Can I prepare Crescent Roll Candy Canes ahead of time?
Yes, make the cream cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it refrigerated. Assemble the candy canes up to 24 hours ahead or freeze them for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen if needed, allowing for a stress-free holiday baking experience with fresh flavors.
How should I store the baked candy canes?
Store baked candy canes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving to maintain their texture and festive appeal.