Crescent Roll Candy Cane Recipe Perfect for Holidays

There’s something magical about holiday treats that instantly brings a smile to your face, and this crescent roll candy cane recipe is no exception. Combining the flaky, buttery texture of crescent rolls with the sweet, festive colors of candy canes, this fun and easy recipe is perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or just a cozy night in.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these delightful candy cane-shaped pastries are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can whip up a batch of these charming treats that look as good as they taste. The perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon spice makes them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table.

Ready to bring some festive cheer to your kitchen? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crescent roll candy cane recipe is a holiday favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make with store-bought crescent dough, meaning you can have these festive treats ready in under 30 minutes.

The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an accessible option for last-minute holiday baking.

Additionally, the candy cane shape adds a whimsical touch that’s perfect for decorating or gifting. The combination of cinnamon sugar and a touch of red food coloring (or natural alternatives) gives these rolls a classic holiday flavor and look.

Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed as a breakfast pastry, snack, or dessert.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a festive treat for yourself, these crescent roll candy canes are sure to become a new seasonal staple!

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• Red food coloring or natural red coloring (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small bowl for mixing cinnamon sugar
• Pastry brush
• Knife or pizza cutter
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to create your cinnamon sugar blend.
3. Open the can of crescent roll dough and unroll it onto a clean surface. Gently press the perforations to seal the dough into one large rectangle.
4. Brush the entire surface of the dough with melted butter using a pastry brush. This will help the cinnamon sugar stick and add a rich flavor.
5. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire dough surface. Use your hands to gently press the sugar into the dough if needed.
6. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 12 equal strips lengthwise (approximately 1 inch wide).
7. For the candy cane shape, gently twist each strip a few times to create a spiral effect. Then, curve one end of the strip to form the hook of the candy cane.
8. Place each twisted strip on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion during baking.
9. If desired, lightly brush the twisted dough with more melted butter and add a few drops of red food coloring to the sugar mixture on some strips for a festive red swirl. Alternatively, you can dip or brush the dough with red coloring before twisting.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the candy cane rolls to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and snowy appearance.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For a more pronounced red and white candy cane look, alternate strips dipped in red food coloring with plain strips and twist them together before shaping.

Variation: Add mini chocolate chips or crushed peppermint candies sprinkled over the butter before adding the cinnamon sugar for a festive twist.

Tip: If you want to make these vegan, use a plant-based crescent dough and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Variation: Try brushing with a thin layer of cream cheese frosting after baking for an indulgent finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These crescent roll candy canes are perfect for serving warm with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced apple cider during chilly winter evenings. They also make a charming addition to holiday brunch spreads alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.

For a delightful dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Alternatively, package them in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbons for delightful edible gifts that friends and family will adore.

Want to elevate your holiday baking even more? Check out our Classic Gingerbread Cookies or Peppermint Bark Brownies for complementary festive treats.

Conclusion

This crescent roll candy cane recipe is a wonderful way to add a festive touch to your holiday baking without spending hours in the kitchen. Its simplicity, combined with the fun candy cane shape and delicious cinnamon sugar flavor, makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing treats for a holiday party, these candy cane rolls offer a perfect blend of ease and festive charm.

Take advantage of the convenience of store-bought crescent dough and create a batch of these delightful pastries that will brighten any celebration. With endless options for customization and serving, you’re sure to make this recipe a cherished tradition for years to come.

Happy baking and happy holidays!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Crescent Roll Candy Cane Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive and easy treat made by shaping crescent roll dough into candy canes and topping them with sugar and cinnamon. Perfect for holiday parties or a sweet snack.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT12M”, “totalTime”: “PT27M”, “recipeYield”: “12 candy canes”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough”, “2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted”, “1/4 cup granulated sugar”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “Red food coloring (optional)”, “Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Unroll crescent dough and separate into triangles.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Brush each triangle with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add a drop of red food coloring to one edge of each triangle for candy cane stripes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roll each triangle from the wide end to the point, then curve into a candy cane shape.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Allow to cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar if desired.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150”, “proteinContent”: “3g”, “fatContent”: “7g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20g”}}