Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with bright lights, festive music, and beloved family traditions. Among the most cherished activities during this season is baking delightful treats, and what better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by making Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies? These cheerful cookies not only bring joy to those who eat them, but they also serve as a perfect addition to any holiday gathering. Their vibrant red and white stripes mimic the iconic candy canes we all adore and the flavor combination of rich peppermint and buttery cookie creates a taste that is both nostalgic and celebratory.
Why We Love This Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies Recipe
These Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are adored not only for their festive look but also for their delightful taste. The combination of peppermint and vanilla creates a lively flavor profile that is perfect for the holiday season. The chewiness of the cookie paired with a hint of crunch from the decorated toppings mimics the experience of biting into a candy cane.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress friends and family. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or gift them to loved ones in decorative boxes, these cookies bring delight and a touch of holiday cheer to anyone who receives them. Plus, the process of making these cookies is enjoyable for everyone, making it an excellent family activity.
Ingredients about Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
To craft the perfect Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your delightful holiday treats!
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies Directions
Creating these festive cookies is not only straightforward but also a fun experience that brings out your inner chef. Follow these clear steps to make Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
- Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to blend them together for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Then add in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to enhance the flavor. Mix until it’s well incorporated.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to avoid clumps and ensures that your cookies have a nice texture.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you just want to combine until a dough forms.
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Color one half using red food coloring, creating a vibrant contrast for your candy cane shapes.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll small pieces from both the red and white doughs into ropes about 6 inches long. Take one red rope and one white rope, and twist them together to form a candy cane shape. Press the ends gently to seal them.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each shaped cookie onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave space between each cookie to allow them to expand.
- Bake the Cookies: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to become lightly golden, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Decorate: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. After they’ve cooled completely, you can decorate them with red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes for an extra festive flair.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends. The colorful display is sure to bring smiles and joy!
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Once your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are cool and decorated, it’s time to think about serving them. There are several fun and festive ways you can share these cookies:
- On a Holiday Platter: Arrange the cookies beautifully on a festive holiday platter. Use a mix of red, green, and white decorations around the base for an eye-catching display. This makes for a perfect centerpiece during your holiday gatherings.
- Gift Boxes: Boxing up these cookies makes for a delightful gift. Wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a cheerful ribbon. Consider adding a personal note or card to express your holiday wishes.
- Milk and Cookies Bar: Set up a milk and cookies station during holiday parties. Offer varying types of milk, such as whole, almond, and chocolate, for guests to enjoy with their cookies.
- Along with Hot Chocolate: Serve your cookies alongside warm cups of hot chocolate. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate beautifully, making for a cozy wintertime treat!
No matter how you choose to serve them, these cookies are bound to be a hit at any gathering.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
To ensure your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies turn out just right, consider these expert tips:
- Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is adequately softened to room temperature. This makes it easier to cream with the sugars, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cookie.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can create tough cookies, which is not what you want!
- Shape with Care: When twisting the ropes together, be gentle. If the dough becomes too soft, pop it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to make it easier to shape.
- Experiment with Colors: While red and white are traditional, feel free to experiment with other colors for different holiday themes. Green dough can make for a fun alternative!
- Perfect Cooling: Always allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their chewy texture.
By following these tips, you can make these cookies just right, pleasing everyone who tastes them.
How to Store Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Storing your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies properly will help them maintain their freshness. Here are some helpful tips for storing these sweet treats:
- Airtight Containers: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This prevents exposure to air and moisture, keeping them soft and delicious for longer.
- Room Temperature Storage: You can store your cookies at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze your cookies, stack them in layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies long after they’ve been baked!
Variation of Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
While the classic Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are always a hit, don’t hesitate to try out some variations to keep things exciting. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: After decorating, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an extra layer of flavor. This can introduce a wonderful contrast to the peppermint.
- Flavored Dough: Instead of simply adding peppermint extract, consider adding other flavor extracts like almond or coconut for a unique twist on flavor.
- Different Shapes: Rather than making traditional candy cane shapes, use cookie cutters to create Christmas-themed shapes, such as stars or Christmas trees. Decorate them in similar vibrant red and green colors.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Incorporate white chocolate chips into the dough for a creamy texture that enhances the sweetness.
Experimenting with these variations can lead to exciting new traditions with your holiday baking.
FAQ about Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
What is the best way to ensure my Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are soft?
To achieve soft cookies, make sure not to overbake them. As soon as the edges turn golden, remove them from the oven. Cooling them on the baking sheet for a few minutes will also help retain moisture.
Can I make Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies without peppermint extract?
While peppermint extract adds a distinct flavor, you can replace it with vanilla or almond extract for a different taste. However, if you want a minty flavor, you could skip it but add crushed mint candies or mint chocolate chips.
How can I get vibrant colors in my dough?
Using gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring can yield more vibrant results without altering the wet-to-dry ratio in your cookie dough.
Can kids help with making these cookies?
Absolutely! Making Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies is a fun and engaging activity for kids. They can help with mixing, rolling, and decorating the cookies.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare and shape the cookie dough in advance, then freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Decoration
- to taste Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes For festive decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and powdered sugar for about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions; color one half with red food coloring.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll small pieces from both the red and white doughs into ropes about 6 inches long.
- Twist one red and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape and press the ends gently to seal.
- Place each shaped cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them out.
- Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Once cool, decorate with red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
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