If you are looking for a festive appetizer that is simple, playful, and perfect for the holidays, Easy Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks for Holiday Fun are exactly what you need. These cheerful breadsticks turn basic pizza dough into eye-catching candy cane shapes that are soft, buttery, and irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks Recipe
These candy cane pizza breadsticks are more than just cute. They are easy enough for beginners, fun to make with kids, and ideal for holiday parties, school events, and family gatherings. The dough bakes up fluffy on the inside with lightly crisp edges, and the buttery finish gives them classic pizza breadstick flavor. Best of all, you can customize them with cheese, herbs, or dipping sauces to suit your crowd.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks
Dough and Base Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough, store bought or homemade
- Red food coloring, gel or liquid
- All purpose flour, for dusting
Topping Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, optional
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If you prefer a family friendly version with no strong garlic flavor, simply skip the garlic powder and use plain melted butter. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top during the last few minutes of baking. Whole wheat pizza dough works well if you want a slightly heartier texture. This recipe is naturally vegetarian and contains no alcohol or pork.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the pizza dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain. Add a few drops of red food coloring to the second portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed. Add more coloring as needed to achieve a bright red shade.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Ropes
Divide each dough portion into equal small balls, about 10 to 12 per color. Roll each ball into a rope approximately 8 to 10 inches long. Try to keep the ropes similar in thickness so they bake evenly.
Step 4: Twist and Form Candy Canes
Take one plain rope and one red rope and gently twist them together. Place the twisted dough onto the prepared baking sheet and curve the top to form a candy cane shape. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Step 5: Add Butter and Seasoning
Brush each candy cane breadstick with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or parmesan cheese if using.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the breadsticks are lightly golden and cooked through. Rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce or your favorite pizza dip.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature dough for easier shaping
- Avoid over flouring the surface to keep the dough soft
- Do not over twist the ropes, as this can cause uneven baking
- Brush with butter immediately after baking for extra flavor
- Serve warm for the best texture and taste
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy stuffed breadsticks with mozzarella inside
- Everything seasoning instead of Italian herbs
- Garlic butter and parsley for a classic pizzeria flavor
- Cinnamon sugar version for a sweet holiday treat
Serving Suggestions
Serve candy cane pizza breadsticks as an appetizer with marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce. They also work well on a holiday snack board alongside vegetables, olives, and cheese cubes. For kids, pair them with mild dipping sauces and fruit.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. To freeze, bake and cool completely, then freeze in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
FAQ About Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the candy cane breadsticks a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
What type of dough works best?
Standard pizza dough works best, whether homemade or store bought. Avoid very thin doughs, as they may dry out during baking.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. Kids love rolling the dough and twisting the candy cane shapes. It is a great holiday kitchen activity.
Do I need food coloring?
Food coloring creates the festive look, but you can skip it if preferred. The breadsticks will still taste great without the red color.
How do I keep them soft?
Do not overbake and brush with butter after baking. Cover loosely with foil if keeping warm before serving.
Easy Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks for Holiday Fun
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough, store bought or homemade
- red food coloring
- all-purpose flour, for dusting
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Dust work surface with flour.
- Divide pizza dough into two equal portions. Leave one plain and knead red food coloring into the second until evenly colored.
- Divide each dough portion into 10–12 balls. Roll each ball into an 8–10 inch rope.
- Twist one red rope with one plain rope and curve the top to form a candy cane shape. Place on baking sheet.
- Brush each breadstick with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan if using.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through, rotating pan halfway if needed.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with marinara sauce or favorite dip.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Easy Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks for Holiday Fun are the perfect blend of creativity and comfort food. They are simple to prepare, fun to serve, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your holiday table. Whether you are hosting a party or cooking with family, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
