Next, bake your dough strips for about 12-15 minutes, until they are puffed and golden brown. The wonderful smell of warm bread will fill your kitchen, and you’ll find it hard to resist sneaking a taste even before they’re finished! While your breadsticks are baking, it’s time to whip up that delightful frosting. Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract in a mixing bowl—I always use an electric mixer for this step to get a nice, fluffy consistency. Blend until smooth, and set aside.
Once the breadsticks are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, spread a generous layer of your peppermint cream cheese frosting over each stick. While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle on the crushed candy canes (and white chocolate chips if you’re using them). The crunch from the candy canes on top creates a lovely texture that pairs perfectly with the soft breadsticks!
Lastly, you can add a few festive sprinkles for that extra fun look. Trust me, these Candy Cane Pizza Breadsticks won’t just taste good; they’ll look stunning too! Now, gather your loved ones and enjoy these holiday treats together—it’s the perfect way to make memories.
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first made these breadsticks, I tested the dough in different ways. I found that using fresh pizza dough instead of the pre-packaged kind delivers a much softer texture. If you have a local pizzeria, ask if they will sell you some fresh dough; you won’t be disappointed! I also tried drizzling chocolate instead of spreading frosting, which was delicious, but you just can’t beat the classic cream cheese frosting flavor.
Another thing that has worked wonders for me is letting the dough rise for about 20 minutes before I cut it. This extra step helps create an even fluffier breadstick that feels like biting into a cloud. Don’t skip on this part if you want that restaurant-quality experience at home!
Lastly, I learned that the timing in the oven is all about your preferences. If you like your breadsticks a bit chewy, bake them for 12 minutes. If you prefer them crispier, go for about 15 minutes or slightly more. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I made was not properly rolling out the dough. The thickness directly impacts how well they bake—too thick, and they won’t cook through; too thin, and they’ll burn quickly. Aim for about a half-inch thick; that’s the sweet spot! I also found that I wasn’t brushing enough melted butter on my breadsticks the first time. Trust me, don’t skip this; it adds so much flavor and helps create that gorgeous golden color.
Another tip I have is to let the cream cheese soften completely before mixing it with the powdered sugar and peppermint. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy frosting, which isn’t what we want! Give it about an hour out of the fridge before you start making your frosting for a smooth blend.
Lastly, I learned the hard way that overloading your breadsticks with too many toppings can make them overwhelming in flavor. A touch of crushed candy canes and sprinkles is perfect, so resist the urge to go overboard! (See the next page below to continue…)