As I sifted through a box of holiday decorations, I stumbled upon an old recipe card—its corners frayed and smudged with time. The moment I read "Candy Cane Cookies," a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of the sweet aroma that filled the house as they baked. Now, long gone are the days when I would rush off to the nearest bakery for a festive treat. This homemade favorite is not only a delightful way to spread holiday cheer, but they also come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings. Plus, with their cheerful red-and-white twist, these cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll bring a smile to everyone's face. Ready to bring a little Christmas magic into your kitchen? Let’s dive into the joy of making these whimsical Candy Cane Cookies together!
Why Make Candy Cane Cookies?
Irresistible Festive Flair: These cookies are not only delicious but also add a playful pop of color to your holiday spread.
Quick and Easy: Delightfully simple to whip up in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
Aromatic Appeal: The blend of vanilla and peppermint fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting scent.
Great for Sharing: With approximately 36 cookies, you’ll have plenty to spread joy among friends and family.
Customizable Creativity: Feel free to experiment with different colors or even add in sprinkles to make them your own!
So, dust off those holiday decorations and gather your loved ones for a fun cookie-making session that’s sure to become a cherished tradition!
Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients
• Get ready to bake sweet magic!
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – Softened butter ensures a creamy base and rich flavor.
- Powdered sugar – This sugar creates a light and fluffy texture for your cookies.
- Large egg – Use a room-temperature egg for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Vanilla extract – A classic flavor that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Peppermint extract – This brings the signature candy cane taste right to your cookies.
- All-purpose flour – The backbone of your cookie dough, providing structure and stability.
- Salt – A pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For Coloring
- Red food coloring – Gel coloring is preferred for vibrant, long-lasting hues in your festive cookies.
These Candy Cane Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds, but their cheerful appearance is sure to brighten any holiday gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your Candy Cane Cookies don't stick during baking. This setup is key for easy cleanup and beautiful presentation, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creamy base will give your cookies a delightful texture, so ensure it's well combined before moving on.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, crack in the large room-temperature egg, adding the vanilla and peppermint extracts to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well blended and smooth, which should take just a minute. The fragrant blend of vanilla and peppermint will create a wonderfully inviting aroma in your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture, blending on low speed until a soft dough forms. This step is crucial; you want the dough to be soft but not sticky, which you can tell by its ability to hold its shape without clinging to your hands.
Step 5: Color the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal halves. Take one half and add the red gel food coloring, mixing thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant color. This visual contrast is what makes your Candy Cane Cookies festive, so feel free to add more coloring if a deeper hue is desired.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Now, take 1 teaspoon of each colored dough and roll them into 4-inch ropes. Twist them together, bending them at the top to form the iconic candy cane shape. Arrange these whimsical cookies on your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each for spreading.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake your Candy Cane Cookies for 8–10 minutes. They are ready when the bottoms turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as you want them deliciously soft and slightly chewy!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows them to firm up slightly and makes it easier to transfer them to a wire rack for complete cooling. Enjoy the delightful creation of your Candy Cane Cookies!
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep any leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your Candy Cane Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw by leaving them at room temperature.
Reheating: To refresh your cookies, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the delicious aromas and soft texture that everyone loves!
Candy Cane Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your inner creativity and customize these cookies to suit your taste buds!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten!
- Minty Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips along with the peppermint extract for a delightful chocolate-mint twist. The rich chocolate complements the peppermint beautifully, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Colorful Sprinkles: Instead of just red food coloring, use a mix of holiday-themed sprinkles to add extra festivity to your cookies! Each bite will burst with vibrant colors and texture, making them even more appealing.
- Nutty Flavor: Add finely chopped nuts of your choice to the dough for a delicious crunch, offering texture and a boost in flavor. The nuts add a delightful surprise in every bite, making the cookies more memorable!
- Cocoa Chocolate: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of these candy cane delights. The chocolatey twist will make them even more irresistible to chocolate lovers!
- Spicy Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising sweet-and-spicy combination that will tickle your palate. The warmth from the spice elevates the cookies, making them even more special for holiday gatherings.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus twist, brightening up the classic flavor profile. This lively addition adds warmth and brightness, making your cookies unforgettable!
Whether you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences or just want to experiment, these variations will surely make your Candy Cane Cookies a memorable addition to your holiday festivities! If you love personalizing your treats, check out our other articles, like Classic Sugar Cookies for more inspiration!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Cookies are a fantastic option for those busy holiday weeks, allowing you to prep ahead and still enjoy a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the dough as instructed, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you want to prep even further, roll the dough into ropes, shape them into candy canes, and freeze them for up to 3 days. When you're ready to bake, just place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This ensures they'll be just as delicious as when they’re freshly made, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!
Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture in your Candy Cane Cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can make your cookies tough instead of tender.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden on the bottoms but still soft on top.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is sticky after coloring, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to make shaping easier and improve the final texture.
- Creative Twists: Feel free to add sprinkles or alternative colors to your Candy Cane Cookies for a personal touch, making them truly festive!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Cookies
The holidays are a time for gathering around the table, and these delightful cookies make the perfect centerpiece for a festive feast.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety drink that enhances the peppermint flavor, making every sip a cozy experience.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Brighten up your dessert spread with vibrant seasonal fruits like pomegranates and clementines to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Warm and aromatic, this drink pairs exceptionally well with the minty sweetness, creating a comforting seasonal drink.
- Gingerbread Men: Complement the texture with chewy gingerbread cookies, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, peppermint-infused candy canes.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate adds a delightful contrast to the sweet and soft candy cane cookies.
- Eggnog: Luxuriously creamy with a hint of nutmeg, eggnog is the classic holiday drink that brings warmth alongside your festive cookie platter.
- Caramel Pecan Pie: This rich dessert offers a compelling blend of flavors and textures, rounding out any dessert table beautifully.
- Mini Cheesecake Bites: The creamy tartness of cheesecake provides a delightful balance to the sweetness of the Candy Cane Cookies, keeping guests coming back for more.
Bring warmth and cheer to your gatherings with these perfect pairings!
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! It's best to use unsalted butter for Candy Cane Cookies. Since salted butter varies in sodium content, using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness and enhances the sweet flavors of your cookies.
How can I tell if my candy canes are ripe for baking?
While candy canes don't have an 'ripeness' factor like fruits, it's essential to ensure your peppermint extract is fresh! Check the bottle for any off smells or discoloration; if it's been sitting in your pantry for a while, you might want to replace it for the best flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to let them warm to room temperature before enjoying—this ensures they stay soft and flavorful!
Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Candy Cane Cookies, start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they're frozen solid (about 1-2 hours), transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes to bring back that inviting aroma!
What if my dough is too sticky when shaping the cookies?
If you find that your dough is sticky after adding the food coloring, don't worry! You can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll into shapes without losing any of that delightful flavor or texture.
Are Candy Cane Cookies safe for pets or people with nut allergies?
Yes, Candy Cane Cookies are generally safe for people without nut allergies! There are no nuts in the ingredients, but please check your peppermint extract and any other additions for cross-contamination warnings. However, these cookies are sweet and should not be given to pets, as sugar can be harmful to them. Always better to share the joy with fellow humans!
Delightful Candy Cane Cookies for a Sweet Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla and peppermint extracts to the mixture and blend until smooth.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough into two halves and mix red food coloring into one half.
- Roll 1 teaspoon of each colored dough into 4-inch ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
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