Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are a festive treat that will impress everyone at your holiday gatherings. These cookies combine the classic melt-in-your-mouth texture of shortbread with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, making them perfect for special occasion celebrations or cookie exchanges. Their vibrant appearance and delightful taste make them a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Festive Flavor: The addition of candy cane pieces brings a refreshing peppermint twist to the traditional shortbread.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges or holiday parties, they are sure to be a hit.
• Versatile Decorations: You can customize the finish with various toppings or sprinkles to match your festive theme.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The whipped method creates an airy, light cookie that simply dissolves in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the whipping process, ensuring your butter becomes light and fluffy for the best texture.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spills, keeping your workspace tidy.
• Baking sheet: A reliable baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfectly baked cookies every time.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Candy Cane Topping

• ½ cup crushed candy canes
• Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and then slowly mix in the all-purpose flour. Ensure everything is well combined but do not overmix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. If desired, use a cookie cutter to shape them into festive designs.

Step 5: Add Candy Cane Topping

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie before baking. This adds both flavor and decoration.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Sugar

Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with additional powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness. Enjoy these delightful Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies!

How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Their delightful peppermint flavor makes them a standout treat during the holiday season.

With Hot Cocoa

• Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a classic winter pairing. The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.

As Holiday Gifts

• Pack these cookies in decorative boxes or tins to give as thoughtful homemade gifts. They make a charming present for friends and family during the holidays.

At Cookie Exchanges

• Bring these Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies to cookie exchange parties. Their unique flavor will impress other bakers and add variety to the cookie table.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies crumbled over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an extra treat. The combination of textures is sure to delight your guests.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Creating the perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance your baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape while ensuring they remain tender.
• Use Fresh Peppermint Extract: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality peppermint extract. It enhances the candy cane taste that makes these cookies special.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix your ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle.
• Decorate Before Baking: For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the dough before baking. This adds both color and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Bark – A layered treat made with chocolate and crushed candy canes, perfect for sharing alongside your cookies.
2. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – Fresh strawberries dipped in rich chocolate create a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies.
3. Spiced Apple Cider – Warm spiced apple cider brings out seasonal flavors and pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses, nuts, and fruit creates a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds freshness and can help cleanse the palate between bites of rich shortbread.
6. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookies for an indulgent treat that adds a creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Boldly skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Boldly neglecting the right measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precision.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Boldly ignoring the oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect cookie texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Boldly adding toppings too early: If you sprinkle crushed candy canes too soon, they may melt into the cookies. Add them right before the cookies finish baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
• Freeze cookies for up to three months for best quality.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use different flavors of candy canes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various flavored candy canes like peppermint or cinnamon for a unique twist on these cookies.

How do I make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious gluten-free?

Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free certified.

What is the best way to crush candy canes?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or mallet to crush them into small pieces.

Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?

Yes, adding mini chocolate chips complements the peppermint flavor beautifully. Mix them in after your dough is prepared.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile. Their festive look makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the level of peppermint flavor according to your taste!

Print

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are the ultimate festive treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing peppermint twist, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a delightful indulgence at home. Their bright appearance and sweet flavor make them a crowd favorite, and the ease of preparation ensures that bakers of all skill levels can join in on the fun.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
• Additional powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt, then slowly incorporate all-purpose flour until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, use a cookie cutter for festive shapes.
5. Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie before baking.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
7. Cool on a wire rack and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape while ensuring tenderness. Use fresh peppermint extract for an enhanced flavor experience. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of candy canes or add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.