There’s something magical about Candy Cane Cookies that instantly brings to mind the cozy warmth of holiday gatherings. Their delightful peppermint flavor, combined with a buttery vanilla dough, makes these treats perfect for sharing or gifting during the festive season. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time.
• Perfect for Gifting: These visually stunning cookies make great gifts, beautifully packaged they bring holiday cheer to any recipient.
• Fun to Decorate: Shaping and twisting the dough into candy cane forms is not only fun but also a wonderful activity for kids to join in on.
• Versatile Flavor: While peppermint shines through, you can easily tweak flavors by adjusting the extracts or adding sprinkles.
• Batch Size: This recipe yields about 36 cookies, making it ideal for parties or cookie exchanges.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Candy Cane Cookies:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients without spilling.
• Electric mixer: An electric mixer saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

this recipe

Ingredients

For these delightful Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Red food coloring, gel preferred

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until fluffy. This should take about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add in 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend in 2½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ tsp salt. The dough should be soft but not sticky at this stage.

Step 5: Divide and Dye

Split your dough in half. Color one half red using gel food coloring. This will give you the classic candy cane look!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll out 1 teaspoon of each color into 4-inch long ropes. Twist them together and bend into a candy cane shape.

Step 7: Bake

Place your shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy your freshly baked Candy Cane Cookies! Perfect with a warm drink or as part of your holiday spread.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies are a festive delight perfect for the holiday season. These sweet treats can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or gifting them to friends and family. Below are some wonderful serving suggestions to elevate your candy cane cookie experience.

Gift Boxes

• Beautifully package your cookies in festive boxes or tins. Adding a personal note can make these gifts even more special.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve your candy cane cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The minty flavor complements the chocolate perfectly, creating a cozy combination.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a decorative platter with other festive treats like sugar cookies and gingerbread. This colorful display will surely impress guests.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

• Bring these cookies to a cookie exchange party. Their unique appearance and flavor make them a standout choice among other baked goods.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Perfecting candy cane cookies is all about mastering the dough and presentation. Follow these tips for delightful results every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for easy mixing and better texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, chilling it for 15-30 minutes can make shaping easier.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add crushed candy canes to the dough for added texture and flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies are delightful on their own but pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Here are some tasty ideas:

1. Peppermint Bark – A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies, perfect alongside your cookies.
2. Fruitcake Bites – Small slices of moist fruitcake provide a nice contrast to your sweet candy cane cookies.
3. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses can balance the sweetness, offering savory bites between cookie nibbles.
4. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with warm spices complement the peppermint flavor beautifully while adding crunch.
5. Mini Cupcakes – Serve mini vanilla or chocolate cupcakes as an additional festive dessert option alongside your candy cane cookies.
6. Holiday Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can lighten up the dessert table while pairing well with sugary treats.

These combinations not only enhance your holiday spread but also create memorable moments around the dessert table!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making candy cane cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not softening the butter: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a fluffy texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: If you rush the dough without letting it chill, your cookies might spread too much while baking. Take the time to chill for better shape!
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten and make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft, tender results.
• Using liquid food coloring: Liquid food coloring can alter the dough’s consistency. Opt for gel food coloring to maintain the right texture.
• Not measuring flour properly: Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to packed flour and dry cookies. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Tips: Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Tips: Layer them with parchment paper in freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Candy Cane Cookies?

Candy cane cookies are festive treats made with a buttery dough flavored with peppermint and twisted into shapes resembling candy canes. They are perfect for holiday celebrations!

Can I use other extracts in Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts such as almond or vanilla. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I get vibrant red color in my Candy Cane Cookies?

For vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid dye. This prevents altering the dough’s consistency while achieving a bright hue.

Can I decorate my Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! You can drizzle them with white chocolate, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top, or dust them with powdered sugar after baking.

Final Thoughts

Candy cane cookies are not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough for customization. Feel free to add sprinkles or change up the flavors according to your preferences! Give this recipe a try and bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen.

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Candy Cane Cookies

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x

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Description

Candy Cane Cookies are a festive delight, bringing the joy of the holiday season right into your kitchen. With their buttery vanilla dough and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration! Perfect for sharing at gatherings or gifting to loved ones, their charming red-and-white striped appearance is sure to spread holiday cheer. Easy and fun to make, these cookies are an ideal baking project for families, inviting everyone to join in the fun of twisting and shaping the dough.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Red food coloring (gel preferred)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until smooth.
4. Gradually blend in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half; color one half red using gel food coloring.
6. Roll out 1 teaspoon from each color into 4-inch ropes. Twist them together and shape into candy canes.
7. Place cookies on lined baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: If the dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before shaping. Experiment with flavors by adding crushed candy canes to the dough or using different extracts like almond.