CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS CANES

Cranberry Christmas Canes image

A festive shape, zesty cranberry filling and Christmas colors make these sweet rolls a real holiday hit with my crew. Sometimes I change the glaze, omitting the vanilla and using orange juice instead of milk for a tangier taste. -Rita Fenley, Chesapeake, Virginia

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 cup cold butter, cubed
1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1 cup warm 2% milk (110° to 115°)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
FILLING:
1-1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup honey
1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange zest
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt and lemon zest; cut in butter until crumbly. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk and eggs. Stir into flour mixture until blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight., In a saucepan, combine the filling ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 5 minutes longer; cool., Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll one portion into an 18x15-in. rectangle. Spread filling to within 1/2 in. of edges. Fold one short side to center over filling; repeat with other side, making a 15x6-in. rectangle. Pinch seam to seal. Cut into 15 slices. Twist each slice and form a cane shape. , Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Cover and let rise is a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Bake at 400° for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks. Meanwhile combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm rolls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 199 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 150mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.