Delight in the festive spirit with these Candy Cane Cookies, featuring a luscious peppermint-flavored dough swirled with red and white. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cookies embody the essence of traditional candy canes and are sure to bring joy to your celebrations!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The delightful combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a unique holiday taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Fun for Everyone: Kids and adults alike will enjoy twisting and shaping the dough into candy cane forms, making it a great family activity.
- Great for Sharing: With about 24 cookies per batch, these treats are ideal for gifting or sharing at parties.
- Customizable Decor: Top with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch or get creative with sprinkles.
Tools and Preparation
Baking Candy Cane Cookies is a fun process that requires some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes everything easier and ensures your cookies turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: These are essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, resulting in a lighter texture.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your cookies evenly.
Ingredients
To create delicious Candy Cane Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
For Coloring and Topping
- 2-3 drops red food coloring
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)
- Additional granulated sugar for garnish
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half as is and add a few drops of red food coloring to the other half. Knead the colored dough until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Take small pieces of each dough and roll them into ropes of equal length. Twist the red and white ropes together to form a candy cane shape. Pinch the ends to seal.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place formed cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with additional granulated sugar. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes on top for extra festive flair. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them and enhance the festive spirit!
Festive Cookie Platter
- Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies on a beautiful platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or mini candy canes for an eye-catching display.
Hot Cocoa Pairing
- Serve these cookies alongside warm cups of hot cocoa. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate perfectly, creating a cozy experience.
Gift Boxes
- Pack the Candy Cane Cookies in decorative boxes tied with ribbons. These make wonderful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Dessert Table Feature
- Include these cookies as a star attraction on your dessert table. Their vibrant colors will draw attention and add to the festive décor.
Cookie Decorating Station
- Set up a cookie decorating station where guests can customize their Candy Cane Cookies with icing and extra crushed candy canes.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
Creating the perfect Candy Cane Cookies is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies turn out festive and delicious!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to come to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix only until combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the dough: If you find it hard to shape, chill the dough for 30 minutes before forming your cookies.
- Uniform sizes: Roll ropes of equal length for consistent baking, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Check doneness carefully: Remove cookies when edges are lightly golden; they will continue to bake slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Store properly: Keep your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavors. Here are some great options to consider!
- Peppermint Bark: A sweet treat made of layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint, adding another festive flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples provides a light contrast.
- Cheese Board: Include cheeses like Brie or Gouda with nuts and dried fruits for a savory balance against the sweetness.
- Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini red velvet or vanilla cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting to match the cookie’s festive vibe.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts bring a crunchy texture that enhances the overall flavor profile of your dessert spread.
- Holiday Punch: Serve a refreshing holiday punch made with cranberry juice, ginger ale, and slices of citrus for a bubbly drink option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Candy Cane Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little flour can affect the dough consistency. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping this step can result in cookies spreading too much. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: An oven that is not preheated can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
- Skipping Toppings: Missing out on crushed candy canes means less festive flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle them on top before serving!
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- To maintain freshness, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.
Freezing Candy Cane Cookies
- Freeze cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- For best results, separate layers with wax paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating Candy Cane Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat cookies for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it.
- Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?
Candy Cane Cookies combine festive colors and peppermint flavor, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes! You can try different extracts like almond or add chocolate chips for variation.
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week.
Can I use different types of candy instead of candy canes?
Absolutely! You can substitute with crushed peppermint candies or other holiday treats.
Are Candy Cane Cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes! These cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season, especially when packaged nicely.
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Their charming appearance and peppermint flavor bring joy and warmth during this festive season. Don’t hesitate to customize these cookies by adding your favorite flavors or decorations. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet treats with friends and family!
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit this holiday season with Candy Cane Cookies, a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional peppermint candy canes. These cookies feature a luscious peppermint-flavored dough beautifully swirled in red and white, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations. With their unique combination of flavors and charming appearance, they are sure to bring joy to family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 2–3 drops red food coloring
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; leave one half plain and color the other with red food coloring.
- Roll small pieces of each dough into equal-length ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar before baking for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before sprinkling with crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (24g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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