Candy cane cookies are the perfect festive treat that combines the sweetness of sugar with a delightful peppermint twist. Picture this: crisp edges giving way to a soft, chewy center, all doused in a luscious glaze and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make anyone think Santa has just taken up residence in your oven.
Growing up, my grandmother crafted these vibrant cookies every Christmas. Each bite transported me back to cozy winter evenings spent wrapped in blankets, eagerly waiting for Santa’s arrival. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to indulge in some nostalgic flavors, these candy cane cookies are sure to be a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These candy cane cookies are incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for amateur bakers.
- Their minty flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet vanilla base.
- Visually stunning with their festive colors, they add a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
- Versatile enough to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth alone!
Ingredients for candy cane cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookie dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise and gives them that perfect texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened; it adds richness and moisture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create that crunchy exterior.
- Egg: This binds everything together while adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract: For that lovely warm flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
- Peppermint Extract: A few drops will give you that signature candy cane taste!
- Candy Canes: Crush these up for sprinkling on top—nothing says festive like real candy!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make candy cane cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your delightful creations don’t stick!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating airy cookies!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is blended into a smooth batter.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—we want tender bites!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Once baked, let them cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks.
For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top! Transfer to plates for sharing or keep them all for yourself—no judgment here!
You Must Know
- These candy cane cookies are not just delightful to eat; they are a festive treat that brings out the holiday spirit in everyone.
- Their red and white swirls make them as pretty as a Christmas card, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the season.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Chill the dough for at least an hour before shaping it into candy canes, ensuring they hold their shape while baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap peppermint extract for vanilla for a different flavor twist. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to enhance texture. For a fun surprise, try rolling your cookies in crushed candy canes before baking for extra crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store your candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to freeze them, place layers of parchment paper between cookies and keep them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- 1.
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier blending; this helps create that fluffy texture essential for great cookies.
2.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough!
- It prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, leading to better shape retention.
3.
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheets; it prevents sticking and ensures even baking without any fuss.
Sometimes, I whip up these candy cane cookies when friends come over for movie night. The smiles on their faces when they see those swirly treats? Priceless!
FAQs :
What are candy cane cookies?
Candy cane cookies are festive treats that combine the flavors of peppermint and vanilla. These delightful cookies often feature a swirl of red and white dough, mimicking the traditional candy cane shape. They are typically made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and peppermint extract. The unique appearance and flavor make them a popular choice for holiday baking and gift-giving.
How do I store candy cane cookies?
To keep your candy cane cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their texture and flavor. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I make candy cane cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt your candy cane cookie recipe to be gluten-free. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Following these adjustments will allow everyone to enjoy these festive treats during the holidays.
What variations can I try with candy cane cookies?
You can experiment with different variations of candy cane cookies by adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to the dough. For a richer flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies or using almond extract instead of peppermint for a unique twist. These simple alterations will create a deliciously personalized treat that still captures the essence of classic candy cane cookies.
Conclusion for candy cane cookies :
In summary, candy cane cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines sweet flavors and festive colors. With their easy preparation and appealing appearance, they make perfect additions to any holiday gathering or gift basket. Remember to store them properly to maintain freshness and feel free to experiment with variations for a unique twist. Enjoy baking these charming cookies during the holiday season!
Candy Cane Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy cane cookies are a festive delight, combining sweet vanilla and refreshing peppermint flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and gift-giving.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For softer cookies, chill the dough for at least one hour before shaping. Experiment by adding chocolate chips or rolling the cookies in crushed candy canes prior to baking for added crunch.
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