Introduction to Candy Cane Cookies
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself dreaming of festive treats that bring joy to my family and friends. Candy Cane Cookies are one of those delightful recipes that not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any holiday platter. They’re a quick solution for busy days when you want to impress loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. With their sweet peppermint flavor and charming candy cane shape, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies
These Candy Cane Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a holiday experience! They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy moms like me who juggle work and family. The delightful combination of peppermint and vanilla will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Plus, their festive appearance makes them a hit at gatherings. You’ll love how easy they are to make, and your loved ones will adore the sweet, minty flavor!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Candy Cane Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted butter: This is the base of your cookies, providing richness and flavor. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Powdered sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s essential for that perfect sweetness!
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the cookies hold their shape while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: This classic flavor enhances the overall taste of the cookies, making them even more delicious.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookie dough, it provides structure and stability.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Peppermint extract: This is what gives your cookies that signature candy cane flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!
- Red food coloring: A fun addition to create that iconic candy cane look. You can use gel or liquid, depending on what you have on hand.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding crushed candy canes for a festive crunch or using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delightful Candy Cane Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of festive treats in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. If the oven isn’t hot enough, your cookies might spread too much or not rise properly. Trust me, a well-preheated oven is the secret to cookie perfection!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This process is essential for creating a light texture in your cookies. The air you incorporate while creaming helps them rise beautifully. It’s like giving your cookies a little boost of happiness!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract. The egg acts as a binder, helping your cookies hold their shape. Meanwhile, the vanilla adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the peppermint perfectly. It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is important because it prevents any salty surprises in your cookies. A little bit of salt goes a long way in enhancing the sweetness!
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender. Just mix until you see no more flour, and you’re good to go!
Step 6: Color and Flavor the Dough
Now it’s time to divide the dough in half. To one half, add the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly distributed. This step is where the magic happens! You’ll see your dough transform into a festive red, just like a candy cane!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Roll out small pieces of each dough into ropes. Then, twist them together to form the iconic candy cane shape. This part is so much fun! Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; each cookie will have its own unique charm. Just think of them as little holiday masterpieces!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 10-12 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as every oven is different. You’ll know they’re done when they look set but still soft. The aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them firm up. Serve them on a festive platter, and watch your loved ones’ faces light up with joy. These Candy Cane Cookies are sure to be a hit!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it feels too soft to shape.
- Experiment with different food coloring to create unique designs.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cookies maintain their shape.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard cookie sheet works well, but a stoneware pan can give you a nice even bake.
- Parchment paper: If you don’t have this, a silicone baking mat is a great alternative.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is best for creaming ingredients.
- Whisk: A hand whisk or electric mixer will do the trick for mixing.
- Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a wine bottle can work in a pinch!
Variations
- For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to half of the dough for a delightful chocolate candy cane cookie.
- Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Make them gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Add crushed candy canes on top before baking for an extra crunch and festive flair.
- For a lower sugar option, use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar in baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve alongside a festive fruit platter for a refreshing contrast.
- Present them on a decorative holiday platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
- For a fun twist, package them in clear bags tied with red ribbons as gifts.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs about Candy Cane Cookies
As you embark on your Candy Cane Cookies journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way!
Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping. This makes it a great option for busy holiday schedules!
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to three months!
Can I use different extracts in this recipe?
Yes! While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other extracts like almond or even orange for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the amount to suit your taste!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface and your hands while shaping. This will help you form those adorable candy cane shapes without a mess.
Can I decorate my Candy Cane Cookies?
<pDefinitely! You can sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking or drizzle melted chocolate over them once they’ve cooled. Get creative and make them as festive as you like!
Final Thoughts
Making Candy Cane Cookies is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories with loved ones during the holiday season. The joy of twisting the dough into candy cane shapes brings out the child in all of us. As the sweet aroma fills your kitchen, you can’t help but feel the warmth of the holidays. These cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of cocoa. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished tradition in your home, just as it has in mine. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!
Print
Candy Cane Cookies: Discover the Perfect Holiday Treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a festive holiday treat that combines the flavors of peppermint and vanilla in a delightful cookie form, perfect for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until combined.
- Divide the dough in half. To one half, add peppermint extract and red food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
- Roll out small pieces of each dough into ropes and twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, increase the amount of peppermint extract.
- These cookies can be decorated with crushed candy canes for added texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
