Candy Cane Cookies
These delightful Candy Cane Cookies are a festive treat that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and minty flavor. With their signature red and white swirl, they not only taste delicious but also look absolutely charming on any dessert table. The cookies boast a soft, chewy texture with a slight crunch from the crushed candy canes on top, making them a joyful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence while sipping hot cocoa.
The combination of buttery dough and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful experience that will transport you straight to a winter wonderland. These cookies are best enjoyed warm from the oven but can also be served the next day (if they last that long!) as a delightful snack anytime.
Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 32 min
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking and helping your cookies puff up perfectly.
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Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, which is key to achieving a tender cookie.
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Add wet ingredients: Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined. The peppermint extract is what gives these cookies their delightful festive flavor!
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Take care not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
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Color the dough: Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half plain. This step not only gives the cookies their signature look but also enhances the festive spirit!
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Shape the cookies: Roll small pieces of each dough into ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes. This fun shaping process can be done with kids, making it a great holiday family activity.
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Bake the cookies: Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. You want them to be soft when they come out, as they will set as they cool.
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Decorate: Once cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch. This not only adds flavor but also a delightful crunch and holiday spirit.
Pro Tips
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Use room temperature butter: It’s important that the butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve a creamy consistency that’s essential for the right texture.
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Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set and makes them easier to handle without breaking.
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Crushed candy canes: Make sure to use actual candy canes for the topping. They add a delightful crunch and festive color that enhances the overall look. If you’re in a pinch, peppermint sprinkles can be a quick alternative.
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Uniform sizes: When forming the ropes, aim for the same thickness for even baking. If some cookies are larger, they may not bake uniformly, leading to varying textures.
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Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If they last longer than a week, consider freezing them.
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Experiment with flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of almond extract alongside the peppermint can create an interesting twist that adds depth to the cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies have a unique flavor profile that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. The combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing mint makes each bite feel like a winter treat. Plus, they are simple to prepare, allowing even novice bakers to whip up a festive batch without any fuss.
Not only do they taste great, but these cookies also cater to various dietary preferences. With a few adjustments, such as using vegan butter or egg substitutes, you can easily make them suitable for different diets. They fit right in at holiday gatherings, office parties, or as a sweet treat for your family’s holiday movie night.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies can be served in various delightful ways. Arrange them on a pretty platter next to some hot chocolate or eggnog for a cozy feel. You can even stack them in a glass jar as a gift for the upcoming holidays. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate can elevate their appearance even further.
Pair them with festive drinks like peppermint hot chocolate or spiced apple cider. The combination of flavors will complement each other beautifully. For an elegant touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
To preserve the freshness of your cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain tasty for about a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. To freeze, place the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container separated by parchment paper, and they can last up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Tips to Make Candy Cane Cookies Better
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Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to shape, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll and shape.
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Experiment with shapes: Instead of traditional candy cane shapes, try other festive shapes like stars or snowmen using cookie cutters for a fun twist.
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Finishing touches: A drizzle of white chocolate on top can enhance both the look and flavor of the cookies. It adds creaminess that pairs well with mint.
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Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet cookie, reduce the powdered sugar by a couple of tablespoons without sacrificing texture.
Variation Ideas
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Vegan Candy Cane Cookies: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). They’ll taste just as delightful!
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Gluten-Free Version: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement for the best results.
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Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough for a chocolatey version of these festive favorites. They pair perfectly with peppermint!
Nutrition Information
(Serving Size: 1 cookie | Calories: 120 | Protein: 1g | Carbs: 16g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 5g)
These cookies are rich in carbohydrates from the sugar and flour, making them a delightful treat but best enjoyed in moderation. While they’re not the healthiest option, they fit perfectly into a balanced diet when enjoyed occasionally during festive seasons.
Storage and Reheating
When reheating leftovers, the microwave is the quickest option. Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer a crispy edge, you can reheat them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
To keep them fresh, always return unused cookies to an airtight container. Avoid leaving them out, as they can become hard or stale quickly.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adjust the flavors of these cookies by swapping out the peppermint extract for other flavors like orange or almond. You can also change the colors of the food dye for different occasions. For example, red and green for Christmas, or pastels for Easter!
If you’re up for it, experiment with toppings like mini chocolate chips or drizzled chocolate for added texture and flavor contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
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Not chilling the dough: If your dough is too warm, it can spread too much while baking. Chill for better shape retention.
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Using the wrong kind of butter: Make sure to use unsalted, softened butter; cold or melted butter can throw off the entire texture.
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Incorrect baking times: Keep an eye on your cookies as baking times may vary based on your oven. Remove them when the edges are golden, even if the centers look slightly underbaked.
Serving Occasions
Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or a cozy staff party. They also make delightful gifts when packaged in decorative boxes, adding a personal touch to your holiday cheer. Additionally, they fit in splendidly for kid’s Christmas parties or as a sweet snack for family game nights.
Why Make This Recipe
What makes Candy Cane Cookies truly special is their ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth during the holiday season. They are not only appealing to the taste buds but also visually inviting, making them a standout treat during festive occasions. Their straightforward recipe allows anyone—whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner—to successfully create these charming cookies with ease.
These cookies hold a special place in holiday traditions, serving as not just a sweet treat but also a way to create memories by baking with loved ones. They bring a festive spirit to any table, celebrating the joy of the season.
FAQs
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Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared dough for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. -
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use crushed mint candies or leave it out entirely for a classic vanilla cookie. -
How do I make them spicier?
A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the dough for a warm, spicy kick that complements the peppermint. -
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips can add a rich, sweet contrast to the mint flavor. Just fold them into the dough before shaping. -
How can I make a smaller batch?
You can easily halve the recipe for a smaller batch of cookies while maintaining the same wonderful taste and texture.
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is approximate, and ingredient variations may impact the final values. Always check specific brands and packaging for the most accurate dietary information.
Print
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Candy Cane Cookies with a festive red and white swirl, perfect for holiday gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring and leave the other plain.
- Roll small pieces of each dough into ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
- Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Once cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for decoration.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature butter and chill the dough if it’s too soft to shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg