Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the sweet crunch of sugar cookies with the festive flavor of peppermint. Imagine pulling a tray of these vibrant red and green treats from the oven, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that dances like sugarplums in the air. festive holiday dessert option Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a soft, chewy center, creating a magical experience that instantly transports you to a winter wonderland filled with laughter and cheer.
This recipe isn’t just about cookies; it’s about creating memories. Picture this: your family gathered around the table, rolling dough and laughing as flour dusts everyone like holiday confetti. The joy of decorating these cookies brings out the child in all of us, making Candy Cane Cookies perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights by the fire. cinnamon donut bread pairing Get ready to impress your friends and family with a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- Their minty flavor pairs beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa during festive gatherings
- Visually stunning with their swirls of red and white, they add a pop of color to any dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be shaped into various festive designs!
Baking these cookies has become a tradition in our family; my kids light up every time we make them together, eagerly awaiting their turn to sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it gives cookies that perfect chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create those lovely crisp edges; choose fine sugar for the best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is essential for easy mixing; it creates that rich, creamy flavor.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs bind everything together while adding moisture; use large eggs for consistency.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient helps the cookies rise and become fluffy; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Peppermint Extract: Essential for that classic holiday flavor; opt for pure extract if possible for more depth.
- Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes not only provide texture but also give a festive look; feel free to adjust based on preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Create the Dough: In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture.
Add Eggs & Flavorings: Beat in one egg at a time along with peppermint extract. creamy eggnog pudding recipe Watch as your mixture transforms into a creamy base filled with delightful minty aromas.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
Add Some Color!: Divide the dough in half; leave one half plain and tint the other half red using food coloring. Knead gently until evenly colored—don’t be shy about getting your hands messy!
Shape & Bake: Roll small pieces of each colored dough into ropes, twist them together gently, then shape into candy cane forms on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges start turning golden brown.
Let those beautiful Candy Cane Cookies cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely—this will help maintain their shape while keeping them soft inside. pistachio cookie bars for variety.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these festive delights while basking in compliments from friends and family!
You Must Know
- Candy Cane Cookies are not only festive; they fill your kitchen with a delightful peppermint aroma
- These cookies are perfect for sharing during the holidays, and their vibrant colors make them a visual treat on any cookie platter
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients for even texture. Bake until edges are slightly golden; this ensures a soft center.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla for a different flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch! For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Strawberries recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store candy cane cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring back their softness. For more inspiration, check out this Delightfully Soft Vanilla Cupcake recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Candy Cane Cookies, chill the dough before baking to enhance their shape
- Don’t skip crushing the candy canes; larger pieces can burn during baking
- Lastly, avoid over-mixing; it can toughen your cookies and ruin that melt-in-your-mouth texture
Sharing these festive cookies with family brings back memories of my childhood holiday baking with my grandmother, whose secret ingredient was always love (and maybe a little extra sugar).
FAQ
How do I make candy cane cookies gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour for a delicious alternative.
Can I freeze candy cane cookies?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing flavor.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
Vanilla extract works well if you prefer a milder flavor profile in your cookies.
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect festive treat for the holiday season! These vibrant red and green cookies combine a sweet, crunchy exterior with a soft, chewy center, all infused with the delightful flavor of peppermint. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights by the fire, they not only taste amazing but also create cherished memories in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this fun and easy-to-make recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing in peppermint extract until well combined.
- Whisk together flour and baking powder in another bowl; gradually add to wet ingredients without overmixing.
- Divide dough in half; color one half red using food coloring. Roll small pieces of each color into ropes, twist together, then shape into candy cane forms on prepared sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg