Introduction to Candy Cane Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of festive treats that bring joy to my family. Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season, combining the sweet taste of peppermint with a charming twist. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a quick solution for busy days filled with holiday preparations. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or want to impress your loved ones, this recipe is sure to spread cheer. Let’s dive into the magic of Candy Cane Cookies and create some sweet memories together!
PrintCandy Cane Cookies: Discover the Perfect Holiday Recipe!
Delicious and festive Candy Cane Cookies perfect for the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Divide the dough in half; add peppermint extract and red food coloring to one half.
- Roll out both doughs into ropes and twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while still warm.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the peppermint extract.
- These cookies can be decorated with icing for extra flair.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies
These Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday dream come true! They’re incredibly easy to make, even on the busiest of days. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. The delightful combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they make for a stunning presentation, perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Candy Cane Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookies, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s perfect for holiday treats!
- Egg: A crucial ingredient that binds everything together and adds moisture, ensuring your cookies are soft and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: This adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Peppermint extract: This is what gives your cookies that signature holiday flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount for a stronger taste!
- Red food coloring: A fun addition that gives your cookies their festive candy cane appearance. You can use gel or liquid, depending on what you have on hand.
- Crushed candy canes: These are the perfect finishing touch, adding a delightful crunch and extra peppermint flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial for baking perfect Candy Cane Cookies. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden color. A hot oven helps the cookies rise properly, giving them a soft, chewy texture that everyone loves.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie. Take your time here; the fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will be!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together, while the vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor. This combination is what makes your Candy Cane Cookies taste so delightful and festive!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the salt is evenly distributed, which enhances the overall flavor of your cookies. This step is vital for achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want a soft, pliable dough that will hold its shape when you twist it into candy canes.
Step 6: Color and Flavor the Dough
Now, divide the dough in half. To one half, add the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring. This not only gives your cookies that festive look but also enhances the peppermint flavor. Mix until the color is evenly distributed, creating a vibrant red dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll out both the plain and red dough into long ropes. Then, twist them together to form the iconic candy cane shape. This step is where the magic happens! Make sure to keep the ropes even in thickness for uniform baking. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved, too!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place your shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be soft but not doughy. The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
Step 9: Add Toppings
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm. This allows the candy to stick perfectly, adding a delightful crunch and extra peppermint flavor. It’s the finishing touch that makes these cookies truly festive!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t skip the preheating step; it’s key for even baking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
- Experiment with different colors for a fun twist on the classic look!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for dry ingredients. Any size will do!
- Electric mixer: This makes creaming butter and sugar easier, but a whisk works too.
- Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet is perfect; line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a clean wine bottle can work in a pinch!
Variations of Candy Cane Cookies
- Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Add cocoa powder to half of the dough for a chocolatey twist. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is simply divine!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Vegan Candy Cane Cookies: Replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter. They’ll be just as festive!
- Mint Chocolate Chip Variation: Fold in mini chocolate chips along with the peppermint extract for a delightful surprise in every bite.
- Decorative Icing: After baking, drizzle with white icing for an extra sweet touch. You can even add sprinkles for a fun finish!
Serving Suggestions for Candy Cane Cookies
- Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside peppermint tea for a refreshing holiday twist.
- Present them on a festive platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
- Wrap them in cellophane bags as delightful homemade gifts.
FAQs about Candy Cane Cookies
As you embark on your Candy Cane Cookies adventure, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries that can help you along the way:
Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can substitute it with vanilla extract or almond extract for a different flavor profile. Just remember, it won’t have that classic holiday taste!
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I decorate my Candy Cane Cookies?
Definitely! You can drizzle them with icing or add sprinkles for a festive touch. Get creative and make them your own!
Why are my Candy Cane Cookies flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the butter is too warm or if the dough is overmixed. Make sure to cream the butter and sugar properly and avoid overworking the dough.
Final Thoughts
Baking Candy Cane Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings the family together. The sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen instantly lifts spirits and creates lasting memories. Each bite is a delightful reminder of the joy of the holiday season, with its perfect blend of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them with a cozy cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Candy Cane Cookies fill your home with warmth and joy!