Candy Cane Crescent Pastry

The kitchen was freezing that December morning, making the oven's preheat cycle feel like a hug from an old friend.

I remember my youngest trying to sneak a taste of the crushed peppermint while I was still crushing the candies.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated crescent roll dough: This is the shortcut that makes the recipe approachable, so keep it chilled until the last second.
• Cream cheese: Make sure it is properly softened to avoid lumps in your sweet filling.
• Strawberry preserves: This adds a fruity tartness that cuts through the rich cheese and dough.
• Crushed peppermint candies: These provide the crunch and the signature holiday look.

Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Shape the dough:

Unroll the crescent dough and arrange the triangles in a long curved line, overlapping the edges to form a candy cane shape.

Make the filling:

Mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and half a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Fill the center:

Spread the cheese mixture down the center of the dough strip, then spoon the strawberry preserves on top.

Wrap it up:

Fold the pointed ends over the filling and tuck them under the outer edge to seal that iconic curve.

Bake to golden:

Bake for 15–18 minutes until the pastry is a beautiful golden brown.

Prepare the icing:

Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and a quarter teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.

Finish and serve:

Drizzle the icing over the cooled pastry and top with crushed peppermint candies.

Save

This pastry became a Christmas tradition after everyone ignored the main breakfast to get seconds of this.

Flavor Variations

You can easily swap the strawberry preserves for raspberry or cherry if you prefer a different berry note.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling and crush the candies the night before to speed up the morning assembly.

Serving Suggestions

This pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of cocoa to balance the sweetness.

• Slice it carefully with a serrated knife to keep the shape intact.
• Serve it on a festive platter to really highlight the candy cane shape.
• Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for a day.

Save

Enjoy this sweet treat and the happy memories it creates.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use different preserves?

Yes, you can swap strawberry preserves for raspberry or cherry for a slightly different flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Prepare and refrigerate the filled pastry before baking. Add icing just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use instead of crescent dough?

Puff pastry or homemade dough can be used as a substitute for crescent rolls.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as long as the crescent dough and other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.