Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that whisk you away to a winter wonderland with every bite. These festive cookies are not just visually striking with their distinct red and white swirls, but they also carry a minty freshness that embodies the spirit of Christmas. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this easy cookie recipe comes together in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies
There are so many reasons to adore these festive cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Second, the combination of peppermint and buttery dough creates an irresistible flavor profile. Third, they look beautiful on any cookie platter, making them a hit at holiday parties. Fourth, the recipe yields a generous amount, so you’ll have plenty to share or enjoy yourself. Fifth, they are a fun activity for families, allowing kids to help shape the dough into candy canes. Lastly, these cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged in festive boxes. This holiday cookie recipe is not just about taste; it’s about creating memories too!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Step 4: Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Step 5: Divide the dough in half. Knead the red food coloring into one half to create the red swirl.
- Step 6: Roll each half of the dough into a log, about 1-inch thick. Twist the logs together to create the candy cane shape.
- Step 7: Slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 8: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for the Best Candy Cane Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Don’t overbake; the cookies should be slightly soft when you take them out.
- If you want a more intense red color, add a few more drops of food coloring.
- This recipe is adaptable: consider adding crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch.
Best Ways to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies shine during the holiday season. Serve them with a warm cup of cocoa or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You might also consider using them as a charming decoration on your holiday dessert table. Pair them with other easy holiday cookie ideas to create a diverse spread.
How to Store and Reheat Candy Cane Cookies
To keep your candy cane cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. This method also helps preserve their delightful taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Candy Cane Cookies?
The secret lies in not overworking the dough and ensuring the butter is properly softened. This keeps the cookies tender and fluffy. Also, using high-quality peppermint extract enhances the flavor, making your peppermint cookie recipe truly stand out.
Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to two days in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. Just shape and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy fresh Christmas cookie recipes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Candy Cane Cookies?
One common mistake is overbaking. Keep a close eye on them as they bake, and take them out when the edges are just lightly golden. Another tip is to ensure that your measurements are accurate, as this can affect the dough’s consistency.
Variations of Candy Cane Cookies You Can Try
Experiment with these fun variations:
- Substitute the peppermint extract with almond extract for a unique flavor.
- Try adding white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast.
- For a festive touch, roll the dough in crushed candy canes before baking.
- Make them gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Delightful Candy Cane Cookies: A Festive Treat
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful, minty-fresh taste of homemade Candy Cane Cookies – a quick and easy Christmas classic that’s sure to delight!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Knead the red food coloring into one half to create the red swirl.
- Roll each half of the dough into a log, about 1-inch thick. Twist the logs together to create the candy cane shape.
- Slice the dough into 1/2-inch thick cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 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: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: CANDY CANE COOKIES, FESTIVE COOKIES, EASY COOKIE RECIPE
