Candy Cane Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking lineup. With their charming red and white swirl design and a hint of peppermint, they capture the essence of Christmas in every bite. Perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties, these cookies will bring joy to your festive celebrations and create sweet memories with family and friends.
These festive Candy Cane Cookies capture the essence of the holiday season. Their delightful red and white swirls make them a visually stunning treat, while the hint of peppermint adds a refreshing twist.
The Joy of Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a symbol of the holiday season. With their vibrant red and white swirls, these cookies not only taste delightful but also look festive, making them an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The fun of shaping the dough into candy canes can bring friends and family together, creating cherished memories in the kitchen.
The unique combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint makes Candy Cane Cookies the perfect holiday snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee. Each bite offers a nostalgic feel that can transport you back to childhood memories of holiday baking with loved ones.
Perfect for Gifting
When the holiday season arrives, homemade gifts are a heartfelt way to show your loved ones you care. Candy Cane Cookies make for an excellent gift, beautifully packaged in decorative tins or bags. Their eye-catching design and delightful flavor will certainly impress friends and family, ensuring your thoughtful gesture is appreciated.
Additionally, these cookies are a wonderful project for kids who want to help in the kitchen. While rolling and twisting the dough, children can express their creativity while developing essential cooking skills. This bonding experience will make the final product even more special when shared during holiday celebrations.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results when making Candy Cane Cookies, be sure to accurately measure your ingredients. Baking is a science, and even slight variations can affect your cookie's texture and flavor. It's also crucial to allow your butter to soften at room temperature for optimal creaming with the sugar, which creates that perfect fluffy texture.
Consider experimenting with different flavors during the holidays. While peppermint is the classic choice, you could try using other extracts like almond or chocolate to switch up the taste. Moreover, play around with the decoration—adding colored sprinkles or chocolate drizzle can make your cookies even more festive and inviting.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Red food coloring
For Decoration
- Crushed candy canes
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Make sure to have your ingredients measured and ready for a smooth baking experience!
Directions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, blending until just combined.
Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and dye the other portion with red food coloring, mixing until well-blended.
Shape the Cookies
Take a small piece of each color dough, roll them into log shapes, and twist them together to form a candy cane shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Decorate
Once baked, allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Cookies with family and friends!
Storage Tips
To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies typically last for about a week, maintaining their delightful flavor and texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be enjoyed weeks later, with minimal loss of quality.
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat. The quick revive can bring back the home-baked warmth, making them an excellent snack for impromptu holiday get-togethers.
Serving Suggestions
Candy Cane Cookies can be served in numerous ways that complement your holiday festivities. They are a delightful addition to a cookie platter, paired alongside other seasonal treats such as gingerbread men, snowball cookies, and sugar cookies. Their distinctive peppermint flavor will surely stand out, creating a balanced assortment of flavors and textures.
You can also serve them with festive drinks. Pairing your cookies with hot cocoa, peppermint lattes, or even cocktails can elevate your holiday gatherings. For a fun twist, try crumbling them over ice cream for a delightful dessert that appeals to both kids and adults.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different colors for the dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the colors to match your holiday theme.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Candy Cane Cookies
These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful addition to your holiday baking lineup. With their charming red and white swirl design and a hint of peppermint, they capture the essence of Christmas in every bite. Perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties, these cookies will bring joy to your festive celebrations and create sweet memories with family and friends.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Red food coloring
For Decoration
- Crushed candy canes
- Powdered sugar (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, blending until just combined.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and dye the other portion with red food coloring, mixing until well-blended.
Take a small piece of each color dough, roll them into log shapes, and twist them together to form a candy cane shape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Once baked, allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 8g