Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect festive treat that brings joy to holiday gatherings. Their delightful combination of peppermint flavor and festive colors not only captures the spirit of Christmas but also adds a touch of sweetness to your celebrations. These treats are not only fun to make with family but also make excellent gifts for friends and colleagues. The candy cane shape and eye-catching red and green sugar decorations make them a festive addition to any dessert table!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120 calories
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
Why Make This Candy Cane Cookie
These Candy Cane Cookies are not just visually appealing; they are also a joy to eat. The buttery, soft cookie is complemented by the coolness of peppermint, making each bite refreshing. They’re simple enough for novice bakers, yet festive enough to impress experienced ones. These cookies also fill your home with an irresistible aroma while they bake, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, they’re perfect for decorating with sprinkles, making them fun for kids and adults alike.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookie
Making Candy Cane Cookies is a straightforward process that involves mixing, shaping, and baking. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating beautiful cookies that not only taste great but also look festive. Follow along with the steps below to bring these delightful treats to life.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green colored sugar (for decoration)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your cookies are baked evenly and to perfection.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
-
Step 3: Adding Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, followed by the gradual addition of flour, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix until well combined—this will form your cookie dough.
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Step 4: Coloring and Shaping
Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and mix until the desired shade is achieved. Roll both halves of the dough into long ropes, about 6 inches long. Twist one red and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
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Step 5: Baking
Place the formed cookies on an ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with colored sugar for decoration. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
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Step 6: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookie
Serve these cookies on a decorative platter at your holiday gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee and can be enjoyed as a sweet treat after meals. They also make a lovely addition to holiday gift baskets or as homemade gifts for family and friends.
How to Store Candy Cane Cookie
Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just ensure they are well-wrapped or placed in a freezer-safe container.
Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookie
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this will help achieve the right cookie texture.
- For an extra burst of peppermint flavor, you can sprinkle a touch of crushed candy canes on top before baking.
- If you want to add variety, consider using different food colorings or add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Replace half the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to add flavor and crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may result in a different texture. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor. -
What can I use if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute it with almond extract or omit it entirely. For a different flavor, vanilla extract works well too. -
How do I fix dough that is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. -
Can these cookies be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. -
Why do my cookies flatten while baking?
This can happen if the butter was too warm when mixed or if there wasn’t enough flour in the dough. Always measure your ingredients carefully.
Conclusion
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that can easily become a holiday favorite in your household. They are simple to make, beautiful to look at, and bring a wonderful peppermint flavor that smiles on faces and warms hearts. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and let the baking begin!
Print
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive Candy Cane Cookies featuring a delightful peppermint flavor and colorful decorations, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green colored sugar (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then gradually add in flour, peppermint extract, and salt until well combined.
- Divide the dough in half, add red food coloring to one half. Roll both halves into ropes, twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet and sprinkle with colored sugar. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
