Festive Flatout Candy Cane Cannoli Dip with Homemade Crackers: Your Ultimate Holiday Treat
The holiday season is a magical time, filled with warmth, joy, and, of course, delicious treats. If you’re anything like me, you love to indulge, but also appreciate options that help you stay on track with your wellness goals. This year, I’ve combined two of my absolute favorite things – the festive spirit of the holidays and the incredible versatility of Flatout breads – to create a truly special dessert: a delightful Candy Cane Cannoli Dip, perfectly paired with charming, homemade Flatout crackers. This recipe isn’t just easy and quick to prepare; it’s a brilliant way to impress your guests with a unique, low-point holiday offering that doesn’t skimp on flavor or fun. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday party or simply seeking a cozy, sweet snack for a winter evening, this dip and cracker combo is guaranteed to be a hit. It embodies the essence of holiday indulgence, made smarter and more accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Flatout breads have become an indispensable staple in my kitchen, and for good reason. Their adaptability makes them perfect for everything from savory wraps and pizzas to unexpected sweet creations like these festive crackers. I’m constantly discovering new and exciting ways to incorporate them into my daily meals and snacks, and their ability to transform into light, crispy, and delightful crackers for dipping is nothing short of culinary magic. For this recipe, I channeled my inner holiday elf, grabbing my collection of mini Christmas cookie cutters to craft an array of adorable, sweet-spiced crackers. These aren’t just pretty; they provide the ideal light and crunchy vehicle for scooping up the creamy, peppermint-infused cannoli dip. If you haven’t yet explored the world of Flatout products, I highly recommend a visit to their official website, Flatoutbread.com, where you can browse their full range of products. And to make things even easier, use their convenient store locator to find a retailer near you that carries these fantastic breads. You’ll be amazed at the culinary possibilities they open up!
The beauty of this Candy Cane Cannoli Dip lies in its simplicity and festive flair. It captures all the rich, creamy essence of a traditional cannoli filling but in a convenient, dippable form, enhanced with the refreshing burst of peppermint and a hint of crushed candy cane crunch. The vibrant red food coloring gives it that unmistakable holiday glow, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This dip is incredibly straightforward to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, which is precisely what you need during the busy holiday season. Paired with our specially prepared Flatout crackers, you get a harmonious balance of creamy and crispy textures, and a delightful symphony of sweet and minty flavors. It’s a versatile treat that can serve as a light dessert, a charming appetizer, or even a unique contribution to a potluck. Plus, for those mindful of their intake, using Flatout breads helps keep the points nice and low, ensuring you can savor every bite without guilt. It’s truly a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can appreciate.
Crafting these adorable holiday crackers from Flatout bread is a fun and interactive activity, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen. The mini cookie cutters allow for a variety of festive shapes—think stars, trees, gingerbread men, or even tiny snowflakes—adding a whimsical touch to your holiday spread. The egg white wash mixed with peppermint extract and a sprinkle of sugar bakes into a lightly sweetened, aromatic crust that perfectly complements the dip. This simple step elevates the Flatout bread from a basic wrap to a gourmet cracker, ready to be devoured. The crisp texture provides a satisfying contrast to the smooth, velvety dip, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. Don’t worry if there’s a little waste from cutting shapes; consider these scraps a chef’s treat, or repurpose them into savory croutons for salads later!
Candy Cane Cannoli Dip with Festive Flatout Crackers
Ingredients
- FOR THE CRACKERS
- Flatout Light Original Wraps (as needed for desired number of crackers)
- 1/4 tsp peppermint extract
- Egg whites (a small amount, whisked)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- FOR THE CANNOLI DIP
- 1/4 cup light ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup lightened, softened cream cheese
- 2.5 Tbsp icing sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 Tbsp crushed candy cane (plus extra for garnish, if desired)
- 2 small drops red food coloring (optional, for festive color)
Instructions
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For the Crackers: Begin by preheating your oven to a festive 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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Lay out your Flatout Light Original wraps. Using your favorite mini Christmas cookie cutters, cut out various festive shapes. While there will be a little waste from the edges, the adorable shapes are well worth it!
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In a small bowl, lightly whisk a bit of egg whites with 1/4 tsp of peppermint extract. Carefully brush this fragrant mixture onto each cracker shape, then sprinkle them generously with a little granulated sugar.
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Bake the crackers for approximately 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. They will crisp up further as they cool.
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For the Candy Cane Cannoli Dip: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the light ricotta cheese, light softened cream cheese, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, and icing sugar. Beat with an electric mixer or whisk vigorously until the mixture is beautifully smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
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Gently fold in the crushed candy cane and the red food coloring (if using) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the crushed candy cane pieces to retain their texture. The food coloring will give your dip a lovely pinkish hue, perfect for the holidays.
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Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. For best results and to allow the flavors to meld, store the dip in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This can be prepared a few hours in advance.
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Serve chilled with your homemade Flatout crackers. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra crushed candy cane for an extra festive touch if desired.
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This recipe yields 4 delightful servings. Each serving of the dip is approximately 4 PersonalPoints or 4 SmartPoints across all three MyWW programs (Blue, Green & Purple). Each individual Flatout cracker contributes about 2 SmartPoints. Nutritional information for the dip per serving: Calories: 83, Total Fat: 2.8g (Saturated Fat: 2g), Total Carbohydrates: 11.3g (Dietary Fiber: 0g, Sugars: 10.4g), Protein: 2.8g. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients.
Additional Tips & Information
This festive Candy Cane Cannoli Dip is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the holiday season with a touch of homemade charm and mindful indulgence. The vibrant colors, refreshing peppermint flavor, and delightful crunch of the Flatout crackers make it an unforgettable addition to any holiday table. Imagine serving this alongside other holiday favorites, perhaps with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a sparkling glass of cider. Its versatility means it can easily fit into various holiday occasions, from a casual family gathering to a more formal holiday brunch or dessert bar. It’s also a wonderful treat to bring along to a friend’s holiday party, showcasing your culinary creativity and thoughtful approach to healthy eating. The ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones, creating cherished holiday memories.
When it comes to holiday baking and entertaining, convenience and flavor are key. This recipe delivers on both fronts, making it a go-to for busy hosts and health-conscious foodies alike. The light ricotta and cream cheese base provides a luxurious, smooth texture without being overly heavy, while the peppermint extract and crushed candy canes infuse every spoonful with the quintessential tastes of Christmas. The fact that it’s Weight Watchers friendly is an added bonus, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat that aligns with your lifestyle. Remember, moderation is key, but with this recipe, you can indulge a little more freely. So why not add a sprinkle of festive cheer to your menu this year with this incredibly easy and delicious Candy Cane Cannoli Dip and its delightful Flatout bread crackers?
Don’t forget to get creative with your cookie cutters! Stars, snowmen, reindeer, or even simple circles can turn your Flatout crackers into edible works of art. A little sprinkle of edible glitter after baking could add an extra touch of sparkle, especially appealing to children and adults alike. This recipe also lends itself well to small tweaks; a dash of vanilla extract alongside the peppermint, or a mix of red and green food coloring, could offer a slightly different visual appeal. Whatever your preference, this recipe provides a fantastic foundation for a memorable holiday dessert that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, unleash your festive spirit, and prepare to delight in this simple yet sophisticated holiday offering.
This recipe provides an excellent opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, offering a delightful blend of simplicity and festive elegance. It’s a testament to how healthy eating can still be incredibly flavorful and enjoyable, especially during times when indulgence feels almost mandatory. The joy of sharing homemade treats, particularly those that are both delicious and mindful of dietary preferences, is truly what the holiday season is all about. So go ahead, whip up this amazing Candy Cane Cannoli Dip and its accompanying Flatout crackers, and let the festive feasting begin!
Should you choose to make this recipe your own, perhaps by experimenting with other extracts like almond or vanilla in the dip, or adding a dusting of cocoa powder to the crackers for a different twist, remember that the foundation of a great holiday treat is the love and care put into its creation. This easy-to-follow guide ensures a successful outcome, providing you with a delicious and visually appealing dish that will surely gather compliments from all your holiday guests. Enjoy every minty, creamy, crunchy bite!