The holiday season brings with it a delightful array of flavors, colors, and tradition. Among the many treats that adorn tables during this special time, candy cane cookies hold a special place in hearts and homes. With their vibrant red and green swirls, these cookies not only look festive but also pack a refreshing peppermint flavor that evokes the spirit of the season. If you’re looking to make a memorable treat that captures the essence of the holidays, these candy cane cookies are just the ticket!
Why We Love This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy cane cookies are more than just a treat; they are a joyful expression of holiday cheer. The combination of buttery goodness, the refreshing kick of peppermint, and the sweetness of the crushed candy canes creates a delightful experience for your senses. These cookies are perfect for sharing at family gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights by the fire. Each bite brings a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of joyous celebrations and loved ones gathered together.
What makes this recipe even more exciting is its simplicity. You don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these festive delights. With just a few key ingredients and some creative twists, you can create a stunning array of candy cane cookies that everyone will love. Plus, the activity of swirling the dough together can be a fun family project, perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
To craft these festive cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for topping
- Chocolate for dipping (optional)
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation process.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Creating candy cane cookies is a delightful journey from mixing to baking. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as a properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture sets the foundation for your cookie dough, providing structure and balance.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic begins! The butter should be at room temperature, allowing it to incorporate air, which gives your cookies a light and airy texture.
- Beat in the egg, along with the peppermint extract and vanilla extract. The extracts not only enhance flavor but also infuse your cookies with a delightful aromatic quality.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. It’s best to do this in parts, ensuring everything combines well without overmixing. Once everything is blended, your dough should be smooth and slightly tacky.
- Now comes the fun part! Divide the dough in half. Color one half of the dough with red food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other half uncolored, allowing the contrast to shine.
- It’s time to shape your cookies! Roll a tablespoon of each colored dough into long ropes. Twist the red and uncolored ropes together to form the iconic candy cane shape. This is where you can let your creativity flow!
- Place these delightful formations on a lined baking sheet. Before they go into the oven, sprinkle some crushed candy canes on top. This final touch not only adds flavor but also a beautiful holiday presentation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden but not overbaked.
- If you’d like to add an indulgent touch, melt some chocolate and dip the cooled cookies. This step adds a luxurious finish, perfect for impressing your guests.
- Once everything is cooled, enjoy the magical taste of your homemade candy cane cookies!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
Serving candy cane cookies is as delightful as making them! You can present these festive treats in various ways:
- On a platter: Arrange the cookies in a colorful array on a festive holiday platter. You can add festive decorations around them, like holly leaves or small ornaments, to make the presentation pop.
- Gift boxes: These cookies make wonderful gifts during the holiday season. Stack them neatly in a decorative box or tin and wrap them with a colorful ribbon. A handwritten note can add a personal touch.
- At events: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or attending a party, bringing candy cane cookies is sure to be a hit. Place them in a container and share them with friends and family, who will surely appreciate the festive spirit!
- With beverages: Pair your cookies with warm drinks like hot cocoa, mulled cider, or peppermint tea. The contrasting flavors will enhance your holiday experience.
Expert Tips: Candy Cane Cookies
To ensure your candy cane cookies are as perfect as can be, consider these expert tips:
- Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature. This will help achieve a creamy mixture when combined with sugar, resulting in a better texture.
- Avoid overmixing: When blending your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Experiment with colors: Feel free to experiment with the colors! You can use different shades or combinations to personalize your cookies further.
- Chill the dough: If you’re having trouble shaping the dough, chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes can make it firmer and easier to work with.
- Keep watch while baking: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Take them out as soon as they are lightly golden for the best texture.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll elevate your candy cane cookies to a whole new level!
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
Proper storage is essential to keep your candy cane cookies fresh and delightful. Here’s how to do it:
- Room temperature: Place your cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. This will help retain their moisture while preventing them from sticking together.
- Shelf life: When stored correctly, your candy cane cookies can last for up to a week at room temperature.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the dough. Shape the twisted ropes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the fridge for a few hours and then bake as usual. This method can extend your treat’s lifespan to about three months!
Variation of Candy Cane Cookies
While the classic candy cane cookie recipe is delightful on its own, don’t hesitate to explore variations:
- Chocolate peppermint cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate twist. You can also add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Mint-chocolate drizzled cookies: Instead of dipping them in chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies. This not only looks lovely but adds a new flavor profile.
- Add nuts: For added crunch and texture, consider adding finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough.
- Alternative shapes: Instead of forming traditional candy cane shapes, cut the dough into circles or stars. These shapes can be just as festive with the right decorations.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate any dietary restrictions while still enjoying the festive flavors.
Remember that the beauty of baking lies in creativity, and you can make these cookies uniquely yours!
FAQ About Candy Cane Cookies
What are candy cane cookies?
Candy cane cookies are festive holiday treats typically made with butter, sugar, peppermint extract, and colored dough twisted together to resemble candy canes. They are often topped with crushed candy canes and can be dipped in chocolate.
How long do candy cane cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, candy cane cookies can last up to a week at room temperature. If frozen, the dough can be stored for around three months.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and either store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later use. Just remember to thaw properly before baking.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Coloring and Toppings
- 1 bottle Red food coloring For coloring half the dough.
- 1 bottle Green food coloring For coloring half the dough.
- Crushed candy canes For topping.
- Chocolate for dipping (optional) Melted for dipping cookies.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth and slightly tacky.
- Divide the dough in half and color one half with red food coloring.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll a tablespoon of each colored dough into long ropes.
- Twist the red and uncolored ropes together to form the iconic candy cane shape.
- Place the formations on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- If desired, dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
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