Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings forth the spirit of the season in each sugary bite. These cookies combine the rich flavors of vanilla and almond with the refreshing taste of peppermint, resulting in a unique and festive dessert. Visually appealing and bursting with flavor, Candy Cane Cookies can brighten up your holiday gatherings and make a perfect gift for friends and family. As you embark on making these charming treats, you’ll discover not only a fun baking experience but also a nostalgic connection to the festivity that surrounds the winter season.
Why We Love This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about Candy Cane Cookies that makes them a holiday favorite. They embody the essence of Christmas with their vibrant red and white swirls, bringing an element of joy and cheer to your dessert table. They’re ideal for decorating, sharing, and indulging in, making them a beloved choice for many.
The nostalgic combination of holiday flavors also plays a significant role in their appeal. The buttery dough pairs beautifully with the minty freshness from the crushed candy canes, creating a taste that’s both comforting and invigorating. Plus, the preparation process allows you to get creative—twisting the two colors of dough together is not just fun; it’s also a great way to involve the entire family in the holiday spirit. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a canvas for creativity and laughter during one of the most cherished times of the year.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
To create your delicious Candy Cane Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed candy canes or peppermint
- Red food coloring
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Directions
Creating the perfect Candy Cane Cookies involves a series of simple steps that culminate in a delightful holiday treat. Follow these directions carefully, and you’ll soon have a batch of cookies that will impress everyone.
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential to ensure even baking and a beautifully golden finish to your cookies.
- Cream together butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer to cream these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial as it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies a light texture.
- Mix in the egg and extracts: Beat in the egg, ensuring it blends well with the buttery mixture. Next, add the vanilla extract and almond extract, which will enhance the flavor profile of your cookies.
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—over-mixing at this stage can result in tough cookies, so be gentle!
- Divide and color the dough: Once your cookie dough is prepared, divide it in half. Add red food coloring to one half of the dough, mixing until you achieve your desired shade. Remember, the goal is to achieve a vibrant red that contrasts beautifully with the white dough.
- Shape the cookies: Take small pieces from each colored dough and roll them into thin ropes. Then, twist the two ropes together to create a candy cane shape. This is where the fun begins! You can make the candy cane cookies as long or as short as you prefer.
- Prepare for baking: Place your shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet. Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes to give them an extra crunch and festive flair.
- Bake the cookies: Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want the edges to be lightly golden but the centers to remain soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that your cookies set properly without becoming too dry.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
Once your Candy Cane Cookies have cooled, it’s time to think about serving them. These festive treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or even as thoughtful gifts. Here are a few popular ways to enjoy them:
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter to showcase their vibrant colors. Add some festive decorations, like pinecones or holiday-themed candles, to create a charming centerpiece for your table.
- Cookie Jars: Fill decorative cookie jars with an assortment of your Candy Cane Cookies. This makes for a delightful gift that family and friends can enjoy over the holiday season.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your cookies with a warm beverage such as hot cocoa, coffee, or tea to accentuate the refreshing peppermint flavor. The warmth of the drink complements the crunch of the cookies beautifully.
- Share and Gift: Gift them to neighbors or friends as a sweet and personal gesture of the holiday spirit. Wrap them in festive cellophane or place them in a holiday-themed tin for an extra touch.
Expert Tips: Candy Cane Cookies
To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following expert tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature for better mixing. This results in a more homogenous dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Mix until just combined when adding the flour to maintain a tender texture in your cookies. Overworking the flour can lead to tough cookies.
- Experiment with flavors: While the classic vanilla and almond extracts are delicious, don’t hesitate to try adding a hint of peppermint extract for an even stronger minty taste.
- Chill the dough: If you find that the dough is too sticky, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling and shaping. This will make it easier to handle.
- Adjust the baking time: Oven temperatures can vary. For softer cookies, watch the baking time closely. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden.
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
Proper storage helps preserve the freshness and flavor of your Candy Cane Cookies. Follow these guidelines to ensure they remain delicious for as long as possible:
- Room Temperature Storage: You can store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and chewy. Be sure to layer parchment paper between the cookies to avoid sticking.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you want to keep your cookies for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each cookie separately in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.
- Avoiding Staleness: To prevent the cookies from becoming stale, make sure the container is sealed tightly and kept in a cool, dry place.
Variation of Candy Cane Cookies
While the classic Candy Cane Cookie is delightful as is, there are several fun variations you can try based on your preference and creativity:
- Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Incorporate cocoa powder into half the dough for a festive chocolate version. Not only does this add flavor, but it also creates a striking visual contrast with the peppermint.
- Candy Cane Cookie Bars: Instead of shaping individual cookies, spread the dough in a greased baking dish, bake, and cut into squares. This is a great time-saver if you’re preparing for a large crowd.
- Stuffed Candy Cane Cookies: For an exciting twist, try adding a surprise filling to your cookies. You could place a small dollop of chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting in the center before baking for an extra indulgent treat.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive cookies.
FAQ about Candy Cane Cookies
- What are Candy Cane Cookies? Candy Cane Cookies are festive holiday treats made from a buttery dough that is flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, swirled with red and white colors, and topped with crushed candy canes for a minty finish.
- How long do Candy Cane Cookies last? When stored correctly in an airtight container, Candy Cane Cookies will last for up to a week at room temperature and can be frozen for up to three months.
- Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the cookies in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them before baking. Simply bake them straight from the freezer by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- What can I substitute for almond extract? If you’re not a fan of almond extract, you can simply omit it or substitute it with additional vanilla extract or a hint of peppermint extract for extra flavor.
- Can I use store-bought sugar cookie dough? Absolutely! While homemade dough adds a personal touch, using store-bought sugar cookie dough is a convenient alternative. Just follow the shaping and baking instructions for optimal results.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg Should be at room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract Can be substituted with additional vanilla extract.
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed candy canes or peppermint For topping.
- 1 drop red food coloring To color one half of the dough.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined; be gentle to avoid tough cookies.
- Divide the dough in half and add red food coloring to one half, mixing until the desired shade is achieved.
- Roll small pieces from each colored dough into thin ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
Baking
- Place shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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