Looking for a festive and fun holiday treat? These Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season! With their beautiful red-and-white twisted design and subtle peppermint flavor, these cookies are not only delicious but also make for an impressive addition to your holiday cookie tray. They’re perfect for baking with kids or for bringing a little holiday cheer to your dessert table. Let’s get started on this classic holiday cookie recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
These festive cookies are made with simple ingredients, but they come together to create a treat that’s both tasty and visually stunning. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): Butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sugar provides sweetness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Egg (1 large): The egg helps bind the dough and gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla adds a warm, sweet flavor to the dough.
- Peppermint Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Peppermint extract gives the cookies their signature candy cane flavor. Adjust the amount to taste if you want a stronger or milder peppermint flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 3/4 cups): Flour provides structure and creates a sturdy dough that’s easy to shape.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Baking powder helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
- Red Food Coloring (1/2 teaspoon or to desired color): Red food coloring is used to color half of the dough, creating the candy cane stripes. You can adjust the amount depending on how deep you want the red color.
- Optional Topping:
- Crushed Peppermint Candies (1/4 cup): For extra flavor and decoration, you can sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the cookies before baking.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make beautiful and delicious Candy Cane Cookies that will brighten up your holiday season.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the Dough: Split the dough in half. In one half, add the red food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Leave the other half plain.
- Shape the Candy Canes:
- Take a small amount of red dough and a small amount of plain dough (about 1 tablespoon of each). Roll each piece into a rope about 5 inches long.
- Twist the red and white dough ropes together and gently bend the top to form a candy cane shape. Place the twisted candy canes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Optional Peppermint Topping: If desired, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over the cookies before baking for an extra festive touch.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Be careful not to overbake, as you want the cookies to remain soft and tender.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, based on 24 cookies)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
FAQs
1. Can I use mint extract instead of peppermint?
Yes, you can substitute peppermint extract with mint extract, though the flavor may be slightly different. Adjust the amount to taste.
2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the candy canes.
4. How do I prevent the dough from cracking while shaping?
If the dough is too dry or cracks while shaping, knead it gently to warm it up. You can also add a teaspoon of water to the dough to soften it.
5. Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes, you can leave the food coloring out and simply make twisted vanilla-flavored cookies, or use natural food coloring if you prefer.
6. Can I add decorations to these cookies?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, drizzle them with white chocolate, or dip the ends in melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.
7. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Yes, adjust the size of the dough ropes to make smaller or larger candy canes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
8. Can I use butter-flavored shortening instead of butter?
While butter adds the best flavor, you can use butter-flavored shortening for a firmer texture if desired.
9. Can I use a different color for the stripes?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different colors, like green, for a fun twist on the classic red-and-white candy canes.
10. What can I serve with these cookies?
These cookies pair perfectly with hot chocolate, coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make great gifts for holiday cookie exchanges!
These Candy Cane Cookies are a fun and festive way to celebrate the holidays, with their colorful design and delicious peppermint flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap or just to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone who tries them. Happy baking!