Candy Cane Bows on Green Tree Plate – Festive 30-Minute

This recipe transforms simple puff pastry into elegant, candy cane-shaped bows that look stunning on a green tree plate. The contrast of the golden, flaky pastry with the red-and-white striped glaze creates a festive centerpiece for any holiday table.

Each bow is brushed with a peppermint-infused sugar glaze and topped with crushed candy canes, delivering a satisfying crunch and a cool, minty finish. The dough is easy to work with, and the shaping technique is straightforward, making this a fun project for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you're hosting a cookie exchange or simply want to add a homemade touch to your dessert spread, these candy cane bows are sure to impress. They're best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for a few days, making them a convenient make-ahead treat.

About the Ingredients

1 package (17.3 oz, 490g) frozen puff pastry, thawed

Use a high-quality brand like Pepperidge Farm for best flakiness. If you prefer, you can substitute with homemade puff pastry, but it will increase prep time.

1 large egg, beaten

This egg wash gives the pastry a golden sheen. For a dairy-free option, use 1 tablespoon of milk or cream instead.

1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

Also known as confectioners' sugar. For a less sweet glaze, reduce to 3/4 cup (90g).

2 tablespoons (30ml) milk

Any milk works; almond or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version.

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Pure peppermint extract gives the best flavor. If you only have vanilla extract, use 1 teaspoon and add a drop of peppermint oil.

1/2 cup (85g) crushed candy canes

Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. For a finer texture, pulse in a food processor.

Tips & Tricks

• Keep the puff pastry chilled until you're ready to use it. If it becomes too warm, it will be sticky and difficult to shape.
• When twisting the dough strips, work gently to avoid tearing. If a strip breaks, just press it back together.
• Ensure the glaze is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too runny, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, add a little more milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface.

2. Roll Out Pastry

Roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 12×10-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 6 strips, each about 1 inch wide.

3. Shape the Bows

Take one strip and fold it in half, then twist the two halves together. Shape the twisted strip into a candy cane curve, placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips, spacing them 2 inches apart.

4. Brush with Egg Wash

Brush the tops of the pastry bows with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bows are puffed and golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.

6. Make the Glaze

While the bows bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

7. Glaze and Decorate

Once the bows are cool enough to handle (about 5 minutes), drizzle with the glaze and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before serving.

Delicious Variations

Chocolate Drizzle

Instead of the peppermint glaze, melt 1/2 cup of dark chocolate and drizzle over the baked bows, then top with crushed candy canes.

Citrus Twist

Replace the peppermint extract with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Cinnamon Sugar

Skip the glaze and toss the warm bows in a mixture of 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.

How to Store Candy Cane Bows On Green Tree Plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to bring a touch of holiday magic to your table? Try this recipe and share your results in the comments below. Happy baking!

Candy Cane Bows On Green Tree Plate

Candy Cane Bows on Green Tree Plate: buttery, flaky puff pastry twists with a sweet candy cane glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings.

★★★★½ 4.8 (156 ratings)

15 minPrep time15 minCook time12Servings285 kcalCalories

Print RecipePin Recipe

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 package (17.3 oz, 490g) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup (85g) crushed candy canes

📋 Instructions

1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour your work surface.
2. 2Roll Out Pastry — Roll each sheet of puff pastry into a 12×10-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 6 strips, each about 1 inch wide.
3. 3Shape the Bows — Take one strip and fold it in half, then twist the two halves together. Shape the twisted strip into a candy cane curve, placing it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining strips, spacing them 2 inches apart.
4. 4Brush with Egg Wash — Brush the tops of the pastry bows with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
5. 5Bake Until Golden — Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bows are puffed and golden brown. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even baking.
6. 6Make the Glaze — While the bows bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
7. 7Glaze and Decorate — Once the bows are cool enough to handle (about 5 minutes), drizzle with the glaze and immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let the glaze set for 10 minutes before serving.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For the best flavor, use pure peppermint extract and high-quality candy canes. The glaze sets quickly, so work efficiently when decorating.

Servings: 12

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 3g protein · 33g carbs · 15g fat

Written by Liam O'Connor
Liam covers personal finance and investing for beginners, demystifying money management with clear, no-nonsense advice. He focuses on budgeting, saving, and long-term wealth building, often using real-life scenarios to illustrate concepts.