There’s something magical about the holiday season, and for me, nothing says festive spirit quite like baking a batch of Candy Cane Cookies. These delightful treats, with their sweet buttery dough and refreshing peppermint flavor, are a holiday staple in my home. I can still remember the first time I made them with my mom; we would gather in the kitchen with flour dusting our noses and laughter filling the air, crafting our candy canes with colorful twists. It’s a tradition that has stuck with me, and now I get to share it with my own kids!
Every time I pull these cookies out of the oven, the aroma of peppermint wafts through my home, instantly transporting me back to those joyful moments. They’re not just cookies; they’re little pieces of nostalgia that brighten up our holiday gatherings. Plus, their vibrant red and white colors make them the perfect addition to any festive spread. Trust me, once you try making these Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll want to whip up a batch every year—it’s a joy that keeps on giving!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Peppermint candies, crushed
How to Prepare Candy Cane Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) because this step is crucial! Preheating ensures that your Candy Cane Cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly every time. When the dough hits that hot oven, it begins to set right away, giving you those lovely soft centers and slightly crispy edges. Trust me, the aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is worth the wait!
Creaming the Ingredients
Next up, let’s tackle the creaming! In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and powdered sugar. Now, grab a sturdy wooden spoon or a mixer if you’re feeling fancy, and cream them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is super important because it incorporates air, which helps the cookies rise beautifully. You’re looking for a texture that’s soft and creamy, almost like whipped frosting—yum!
Mixing in Additional Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are all creamed up, it’s time to add in the egg and vanilla extract. Mix them in well until everything is combined. Now, it’s flour time! Gradually add your all-purpose flour and salt into the bowl. I like to do this in batches, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough that holds together without being tough!
Coloring and Shaping the Dough
Now comes the fun part! Divide the dough in half. To one half, you’ll add the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring. Mix it until you get a vibrant red shade that screams holiday cheer! Next, take small pieces from both the plain and red dough, roll them into ropes, and twist them together to form a candy cane shape. It’s like a little art project! Make sure to press the ends together so they don’t come apart while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Once your candy canes are shaped, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re just starting to turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be firm but still soft in the center. The moment they come out, sprinkle the warm cookies with crushed peppermint candies for that extra festive crunch. Let them cool slightly, and then enjoy the delightful treats you’ve just created!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: These Candy Cane Cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You’ll be amazed at how simple the steps are!
- Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful flavor that embodies the holiday spirit.
- Perfect for Sharing: With their charming candy cane shape and bright colors, these cookies are a hit at holiday gatherings, making them an ideal treat to share with friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to suit your taste, or even experiment with different colors to match your holiday theme!
- Memorable Tradition: Baking these cookies can become a cherished holiday tradition, just like it was for me and my family—creating sweet memories along the way.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some tips that I swear by! First, don’t be shy with the peppermint extract, but start with half the amount called for if you’re unsure; you can always add more to taste! Also, if your dough feels too sticky, try chilling it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shapes beautifully.
When it comes to storing your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that delightful freshness. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked twisted dough—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw and bake as usual. Trust me, these little tricks will keep your holiday baking stress-free and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Once your Candy Cane Cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to enjoy them in style! These festive treats pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a warm mug of spiced apple cider. Imagine sinking your teeth into that buttery, peppermint goodness while sipping on a cozy drink—pure bliss!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, consider serving them alongside a platter of assorted holiday cookies to create a delightful dessert spread. They also make a fantastic addition to a baking gift box, wrapped up with some twinkling ribbon and a festive tag. And for a fun twist, try crumbling a cookie over vanilla ice cream for a seasonal dessert that’s sure to impress. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each Candy Cane Cookie. Keep in mind that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
These delightful cookies are a sweet treat to enjoy during the holidays while still being mindful of nutrition. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Q1: How should I store my Candy Cane Cookies?
To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last about a week, but I bet they’ll be gone long before then! If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked twisted dough—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw and bake as usual!
Q2: Can I adjust the peppermint flavor in my cookies?
Absolutely! If you’re not a huge fan of peppermint, you can reduce the amount of peppermint extract. Start with half the amount called for and taste the dough before baking. You can always add a little more if you want that extra minty kick!
Q3: Are there any variations I can try with this recipe?
You bet! While the classic Candy Cane Cookies are delicious, feel free to experiment. You can substitute the peppermint extract with almond or vanilla for a different flavor profile. Adding chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies is a delightful twist too!
Q4: What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky to handle, don’t panic! Just chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it much easier to roll and shape into those adorable candy canes.
Q5: Can I use different colors for my candy canes?
Definitely! While red is traditional, you can use any color food coloring to match your holiday theme. Just mix in a few drops until you achieve your desired shade, and let your creativity shine!
Candy Cane Cookies: 5 Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats that combine the flavors of peppermint and a sweet buttery dough.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Peppermint candies, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Divide the dough in half. To one half, add peppermint extract and red food coloring.
- Roll small pieces of each dough into ropes and twist them together.
- Shape the twisted dough into a candy cane form and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies while warm.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Treats
