Candy-Stripe Twists
Colorful candy-stripe twists with a delicate, sweet flavor and a hint of anise, perfect for festive occasions or as a charming homemade treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure flour, baking powder, and salt into a sifter.
- Cream butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy in a large bowl.
- Beat in egg and oil of anise.
- Sift in dry ingredients, a third at a time, adding alternately with milk; stir until well blended.
- Spoon half of dough into a medium-sized bowl; blend in a few drops of red food coloring to tint pink.
- Leave the other half plain.
- Pinch off about a teaspoonful each of pink and white dough at a time and roll each into a pencil-thin strip, about 5 inches long on a lightly floured pastry cloth or board.
- Place strips side by side, pressing ends together, then twist into a rope.
- Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until firm.
- Remove carefully from cookie sheets; cool on wire racks.
- Store with waxed paper or transparent wrap between layers in a container with a tight-fitting cover.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a dash of almond extract alongside the oil of anise. If you don't have red food coloring, beet juice can be a natural alternative to achieve the desired color. Ensure the dough is chilled slightly if it's too soft to handle, making it easier to roll into strips.
Serving Suggestions
These candy-stripe twists are delightful on their own but also pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside a slice of Judy'S Sour Cream Pecan Pound Cake for a charming dessert platter. They are perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat for kids.
Storage & Reheating
Store the candy-stripe twists in an airtight container at room temperature, separated by layers of waxed paper to prevent sticking. They can be enjoyed for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply reheat in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy-Stripe Twists contains roughly 1215 calories, with 21g protein, 221g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1169mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure the blend has a binding agent to help achieve the right texture. However, this may slightly alter the taste and consistency of the final product.
How do I make the dough easier to handle?
If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before shaping. This will firm it up and make it easier to roll into strips. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking while shaping the twists.
Can I add other colors or flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! You can use different food colorings to create various designs or flavors like lemon or orange zest to add a citrusy twist. Experimenting with extracts such as vanilla or peppermint can also create unique flavor combinations that excite the palate.
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).