Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful festive treat that brings the spirit of the holiday season into your kitchen. With their signature red and white stripes, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also provide a perfect balance of sweetness and a minty twist. Baking these cookies is an engaging experience that offers a wonderful opportunity to gather with family and create lasting memories. The combination of buttery dough and the fresh hint of peppermint is sure to make Candy Cane Cookies a seasonal favorite for everyone.
Why We Love This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies have a unique charm that captures the essence of Christmas. Their cheerful appearance adds a festive touch to any cookie platter, making them a standout treat during holiday gatherings. What we love most about this recipe is its simplicity; with easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, the process of rolling the dough into candy cane shapes is a fun activity that can involve kids and adults alike. The end result is not just a delicious cookie but also an enjoyable experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients about Candy Cane Cookies
- 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 peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sugar or icing for decoration
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Directions
To begin making your Candy Cane Cookies, first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly. While your oven is warming up, take a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix these two ingredients for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Next, you will want to add the egg along with the vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth batter. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, peppermint extract, baking powder, and salt. This mixture is crucial as it will add structure and flavor to your cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a cohesive dough forms, and be sure not to overmix, as you want to keep the texture light.
Once your dough is ready, divide it in half. Here’s where the fun begins! Tint one half with red food coloring. You can do this by adding a few drops of food coloring and kneading the dough until the color is evenly distributed. Next, roll small pieces from each colored dough into ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together to form the iconic shape of a candy cane.
Now it’s time to bake. Place the formed cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool before decorating them with red and green sugar or icing. This final touch adds a sweet and festive flair to your Candy Cane Cookies.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
Serving Candy Cane Cookies is all about presentation. Place your beautifully decorated cookies on a festive platter or a holiday-themed plate to add a cheerful touch to your table. These cookies are fantastic as a dessert after a holiday meal or as a delightful snack during a cozy evening with family. You can also pair them with a warm glass of milk or a hot cup of cocoa to enhance their delightful flavor.
Consider showcasing your Candy Cane Cookies at gatherings, potlucks, or gift exchanges. They make for excellent homemade gifts, wrapped up in decorative cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. The personal touch will be appreciated by anyone who receives these charming cookies, turning them into a favorite treat for all ages.
Expert Tips: Candy Cane Cookies
To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your butter is softened adequately, as this will help in creating a fluffy texture during the creaming process. If you forget to take your butter out of the fridge, you can quickly soften it by cutting it into small chunks or microwaving it for a few seconds—but be careful not to melt it!
When adding food coloring to your dough, start with just a few drops and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade. This prevents the color from becoming too overpowering. Also, when twisting the dough ropes together, make sure they are of similar thickness. This will help in baking evenly.
Another tip is to watch the cookies closely while baking. Every oven is different, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. You want them to be soft but set, so do not wait until they are fully browned. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack also helps maintain their shape.
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
Storing your Candy Cane Cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious longer. Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy for several days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together.
For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies. Just make sure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a freezer-safe container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months without losing their flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a couple of minutes to regain their softness.
Variation of Candy Cane Cookies
One of the best aspects of Candy Cane Cookies is their versatility. If you want to switch things up a bit, here are a few variations you can try. Instead of using red food coloring for the twisting dough, consider using green or even a mix of both for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
You can also incorporate crushed candy canes into the dough for an extra crunch and flavor. Just mix in about half a cup of crushed candy canes along with your dry ingredients. This adds a festive surprise in every bite. For a chocolatey version, substitute one cup of the flour with cocoa powder, creating a warm, chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
Another alternative is to experiment with different extracts. Try using almond extract or even a dash of orange extract to see how it changes the flavor profile of your cookies. The possibilities are endless, making Candy Cane Cookies a great canvas for creativity during the holiday season.
FAQ
What are Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats made from a buttery dough flavored with peppermint, shaped into candy cane forms, and often sprinkled with colorful decoration.
How do I make Candy Cane Cookies?
To make Candy Cane Cookies, cream together butter and sugar, mix in egg and vanilla, combine with flour and peppermint, shape into candy canes, and bake until golden.
Can I use different flavors in Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to create unique flavor combinations in your Candy Cane Cookies.
How should I store Candy Cane Cookies?
Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are completely cooled before packaging.
Can kids help make Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes! Kids can enjoy rolling the dough and shaping it into candy canes, making this a fun family activity during the holidays.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure the butter is softened for a fluffy texture.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sugar or icing for decoration For festive decoration.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar for about 3 to 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, peppermint extract, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until a cohesive dough forms.
Shaping
- Divide the dough in half and tint one half with red food coloring.
- Roll small pieces from each colored dough into ropes and twist together to form candy cane shapes.
Baking
- Place the formed cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 9 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool before decorating with red and green sugar or icing.
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