When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies to bring joy and warmth to your home. Among the plethora of festive treats, candy cane cookies stand out with their striking red and white colors and delightful peppermint flavor. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also incredibly fun to make! These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for leaving out for Santa. Their cheerful appearance and delicious taste embody the spirit of the season.
Why We Love This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy cane cookies are adored for many reasons. First, they combine the rich flavor of buttery dough with the refreshing taste of peppermint, creating a unique balance that is simply irresistible. They are also a great recipe to involve the kids; twisting the red and white dough can be a fun activity for budding bakers.
The vibrant colors make them a perfect addition to any holiday platter, while their classic flavor will warm your heart and evoke holiday cheer. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or given as a thoughtful gift, these cookies are a staple during the holidays. The satisfaction of crafting these cookies, watching them bake to a perfect golden bottom, and sharing them with loved ones makes this recipe a true holiday tradition.
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
To make your candy cane cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The unsalted butter provides the creamy base, while the powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness. The extracts infuse a delightful seasonal flavor, making these cookies truly special.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Creating candy cane cookies is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While waiting, take the time to line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy clean-up later.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. An electric mixer will help you achieve a light and fluffy mixture in about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Your mixture should be smooth and cohesive at this point.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: Take a separate bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. You’re aiming for a soft, pliable dough.
- Divide and color the dough: Once your dough is ready, divide it in half. Take one half and add red food coloring. Knead the dough with your hands until the color is evenly distributed. You’re looking for a vibrant hue reminiscent of classic candy canes.
- Shape the cookies: For each cookie, take about a teaspoon of both the red and white dough. Roll them into ropes approximately 4 inches long, then twist them together to form a candy cane shape. This is where you can get a bit creative!
- Prepare for baking: Place your shaped cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring that you leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Bake the cookies: Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you want the bottoms to be lightly golden.
- Cool down: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And just like that, you’ve created a batch of stunning candy cane cookies. The combination of the creamy texture, sweet flavor, and festive colors will have everyone reaching for another.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
Serving candy cane cookies can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. For a quick presentation, arrange them on a festive plate and sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top for an added touch of elegance. These cookies can also be packaged beautifully in festive boxes or tins, making them an excellent homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, or colleagues during the holiday season.
If you prefer a more interactive serving option, consider pairing your candy cane cookies with hot cocoa or peppermint-flavored beverages. The cookies’ refreshing peppermint taste complements warm drinks perfectly, enhancing the overall experience.
You can also incorporate these cookies into your holiday dessert table, surrounded by other treats like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, and eggnog. The vibrant colors of the candy cane cookies add a delightful contrast to your spread.
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies
To ensure the best results with your candy cane cookies, consider these handy tips:
- Temperature matters: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best creaming results. Room temperature eggs also help in achieving a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use gel food color: For the brightest and most vibrant red color, opt for gel food coloring rather than liquid. It produces more intense hues without affecting the dough’s consistency.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If your oven tends to run hot, check them a minute or two earlier than suggested.
By following these tips, you’ll have cookies that not only look beautiful but also taste divine!
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
Storing your candy cane cookies correctly is essential to maintain their freshness. Once the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week. If you’d like to extend their life, consider freezing them.
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. These cookies can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a little while.
Variations of Candy Cane Cookies
While traditional candy cane cookies are delicious, don’t shy away from exploring variations. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Dipped: After baking, dip the cookie ends in melted chocolate for a decadent touch. The combination of peppermint and chocolate is always a hit.
- Sprinkle Some Joy: Before baking, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cookies for an extra crunch and more intense peppermint flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Stuffed Cookies: Create a surprise inside by stuffing your candy cane cookies with a bit of chocolate or a piece of chocolate truffle before baking.
- Different Colors: Instead of just red and white, consider mixing it up with green or other colors for a varied candy cane effect.
These variations allow you to personalize your candy cane cookies and explore different flavors, making them an even more exciting holiday treat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Cookies
What makes candy cane cookies special for the holiday season?
Candy cane cookies are a festive treat that embodies the flavors and colors of the holiday season. Their vibrant appearance, combined with the delightful peppermint flavor, makes them a popular choice during Christmas festivities.
Can I make candy cane cookies in advance?
Absolutely! Candy cane cookies can be made ahead of time and stored properly. Just ensure they are kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Is it necessary to use peppermint extract?
While it’s not absolutely necessary, peppermint extract adds a distinctive flavor that is characteristic of candy cane cookies. If you prefer a milder taste, you could reduce the amount or opt for vanilla or almond extract.
How do I achieve a perfect red color with the dough?
Using gel food coloring is the best method to achieve a vibrant red hue. It requires less product, meaning your dough remains unaffected in terms of moisture.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring, kneading until evenly distributed.
- Take about a teaspoon of both the red and white dough, roll into 4-inch ropes, then twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared sheets, leaving space in between as they will spread while baking.
Baking
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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