Candy Cane Rolls
Festive and sweet, these Candy Cane Rolls feature a soft dough twisted into holiday-appropriate shapes with cherry accents and icing, perfect for sharing during celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 package active dry yeast (1/4 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees) ⓘ
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees) ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 egg, lightly beaten ⓘ
- 3 1/4 to 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup red candied cherries, quartered ⓘ
- 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl.
- Add warm milk, sugar, shortening, salt, egg, and 2 cups of flour; beat until smooth.
- Stir in quartered red candied cherries.
- Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch dough down; let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough in half.
- Roll each half into a 12 x 7-inch rectangle.
- Cut twelve 1-inch strips from each rectangle.
- Twist each strip and place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets, shaping one end like a cane.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of warm milk. If you don't have candied cherries, crushed peppermint candies can be a festive substitute. Make sure to knead the dough until it's elastic; this ensures a fluffy texture. For a unique twist, add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor. You can also browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
These Candy Cane Rolls are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair well with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. Serve them alongside your favorite breakfast items, or as a festive dessert. For a delightful treat, drizzle with the Best Chocolate Frosting for added sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to any holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Candy Cane Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their freshness and soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Cane Rolls contains roughly 136 calories, with 2g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, place it in a greased bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and rise before shaping and baking.
What can I use instead of shortening?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will add a different flavor profile to the rolls, but they will still turn out delicious.
How do I know when the rolls are done baking?
The rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a toothpick; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of a roll.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).