Save A delightful pastry shaped like a candy cane, filled with creamy cheese and sweet strawberry preserves, and finished with a vanilla icing and crushed peppermint. Ideal for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make treat offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve warm or at room temperature for a festive addition to your breakfast or dessert table.
The kitchen always smells like holidays when I bake this, reminding me of snowy mornings spent trying to recreate bakery magic at home.
I once brought this to a brunch potluck and watched it disappear in seconds, leaving only requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This shortcut base creates a flaky, tender pastry with almost no effort.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it is fully softened so you do not get lumps in your filling.
- Strawberry preserves: Using a high quality fruit spread adds a bright, tart contrast to the rich cheese.
- Crushed peppermint candies: These provide the signature crunch and festive look that makes the dish pop.
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Shape the candy cane:
- Unroll the dough and arrange triangles in a long curved line, overlapping the edges and pressing them gently to seal.
- Mix the filling:
- Beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Fill the pastry:
- Spread the cheese mixture down the center of the dough strip, then spoon the preserves over the top leaving a small border.
- Wrap and bake:
- Fold the pointed ends of the triangles over the filling, tucking them underneath to maintain the curve, and bake until golden.
- Make the icing:
- Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle it over the slightly cooled pastry.
- Add the crunch:
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies and red sanding sugar over the wet icing immediately so it sticks.
Save This recipe became a staple in our house after my kids declared it the official breakfast of Christmas morning.
Choosing Your Preserves
While strawberry is classic, swapping in raspberry or a tart cherry jam can change the entire flavor profile.
Getting the Curve Right
Do not stress if your candy cane shape is not perfect, as the rustic look just adds to the homemade charm.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing this with a hot mug of coffee makes for the most relaxing treat during the busy holiday season.
- Warm the leftovers slightly in the microwave for the best texture.
- Serve it on a festive platter to impress guests instantly.
- Keep a napkin handy because the peppermint crunch can be messy.
Save Enjoy every sweet, minty bite of this festive creation with the people you love.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different fruit preserves?
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Yes, you can substitute strawberry preserves with raspberry or cherry preserves for a slightly different flavor profile.
- → How do I store leftovers?
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
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You can prepare the filling and assemble the pastry ahead of time, then bake just before serving for the best results.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
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Yes, this pastry is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or fish products.
- → Can I use homemade crescent dough?
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Absolutely, you can use homemade crescent dough instead of refrigerated for a fresher taste.
