Candy Cane Quick Breads ~ Sweet Holiday Biscuits

These simple & quick holiday biscuits
are perfect to serve for breakfast,
 brunch or coffee time.

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1/2 teaspoon orange extract (optional)

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt (1/4 teaspoon if using salted butter)

1/2 cup cold butter

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup milk, cocnut milk, cream or half & half

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

2 - 3 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies

Method:

Preheat oven to 425*. Grease baking sheets, or line with parchment paper. Set aside.

Place the cranberries or raisins in a small saucepan. Add just enough water to cover and, if desired, the orange extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Use a pastry blender, or two knives, to cut the butter into the sifted ingredients, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use your fingers to continue to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until all are well combined. Stir in the dried fruit and nuts.

Whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Stir into the dry ingredients and mix just until all are moistened. 

On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough to make a half inch thick 10 x 7 inch rectangle. Cut the dough into ten 1 inch wide strips. 

Hold both ends of each strip and twist. Place the twisted portions of dough a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. 

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the breads are lightly browned. Prepare the icing while the breads are baking by stirring 1 tablespoon of milk, at a time, into the powdered sugar until it is drizzling consistency.

Carefully transfer the baked biscuits to a rack to cool. Drizzle the icing over a bread stick and sprinkle with crushed candy cane. Repeat until all of the breads are coated.

Makes 10 servings. Store extra servings in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Note: These fun & tasty biscuits are popular with kids and adults!