Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings a festive spirit to any gathering. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe combines the classic flavors of peppermint and vanilla, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. Their unique twisted shape and vibrant colors not only make them visually appealing but also provide a deliciously sweet and minty flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The red and white twisted design makes these cookies a standout addition to your holiday dessert table.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and refreshing peppermint creates a mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of the season.
• Versatile Uses: Great for gifting, cookie swaps, or as a festive snack, these cookies can be enjoyed in many ways.
• Fun for Kids: Involve your little ones in the cookie-making process for a fun family activity that builds holiday memories.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Candy Cane Cookies, gather the essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together while ensuring the dough is well-mixed without much effort.
• Mixing bowl: Provides enough space for combining ingredients without spilling.
• Plastic wrap: Helps keep dough fresh in the refrigerator while chilling.
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking to the pan, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.

For the Dough

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of red food coloring

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Reduce mixer speed and mix in the flour and salt until well combined.

Step 2: Divide & Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough in half.
2. In a separate bowl, combine one half of the dough with red food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Shape both portions of dough into discs.
2. Cover each disc tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies

1. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Measure one tablespoon from each color of dough and roll into 6-inch long log shapes.

Step 5: Create Twisted Shapes

1. Twist together both logs gently to form a candy cane shape.
2. Transfer to parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Chill Again Before Baking

1. Chill shaped cookie dough for an additional 15 minutes before baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze & Finish Cookies

1. While cookies bake, prepare your peppermint glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
2. Spoon glaze over cookies once they’ve cooled slightly after baking.

Enjoy your homemade Candy Cane Cookies! These treats are sure to bring joy during this festive season!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a festive treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or gifting them to friends, these cookies can bring cheer to any occasion.

For Coffee Lovers

• Pair with Hot Chocolate: The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich flavors of hot chocolate perfectly.
• Enjoy with Espresso: The strong flavor of espresso balances the sweetness of the candy cane cookies.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift in Decorative Boxes: Package your cookies in colorful boxes or tins for a charming gift.
• Include a Recipe Card: Attach a card with the Candy Cane Cookies recipe for an extra thoughtful touch.

At Festive Gatherings

• Set Up a Cookie Bar: Display your Candy Cane Cookies alongside other holiday treats for guests to enjoy.
• Serve on Festive Platters: Use themed platters to enhance the holiday spirit while serving these delicious cookies.

With Ice Cream

• Crush and Sprinkle on Ice Cream: Add crushed Candy Cane Cookies as a topping for vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
• Make Cookie Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches, perfect for a delightful dessert.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Candy Cane Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to shape and preventing spreading while baking.
• Use Fresh Extracts: Ensure your vanilla and peppermint extracts are fresh for maximum flavor impact.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be light golden brown on the bottom but soft in the center when done.
• Experiment with Sprinkles: For added decoration, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the glaze before it sets.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

While Candy Cane Cookies shine on their own, pairing them with delightful side dishes can enhance your holiday spread. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa Bar: Offer a variety of toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for guests to customize their drinks.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory contrast and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light and refreshing complement to rich holiday treats.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunchiness and a hint of saltiness that pairs well with sweet flavors.
5. Peppermint Bark: This classic holiday treat echoes the flavors in your cookies, creating a cohesive dessert experience.
6. Gingerbread Men: These traditional cookies offer another festive option and pair beautifully with Candy Cane Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane Cookies can be a joyful experience, but there are pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the temperature of ingredients: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal fluffiness.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the refrigeration step can cause cookies to spread too much during baking. Chill your dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Forgetting to measure accurately: Baking is a science; precise measurements matter. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Neglecting the baking time: Overbaking can lead to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they’re lightly golden.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best preservation.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat; warm cookies briefly on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Candy Cane Cookies, here are some frequently asked questions.

What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?

Candy Cane Cookies are unique due to their delightful peppermint flavor and festive appearance, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like almond or vanilla for a unique twist on this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies more festive?

You can add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking, or drizzle chocolate over cooled cookies for an extra treat!

How long does the prep time take?

The total prep time is about 90 minutes, including chilling time, which enhances the flavor and texture of your Candy Cane Cookies.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe truly captures the spirit of the holidays with its delightful flavors and charming appearance. You can customize it with various toppings or extracts, making it versatile for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the heartwarming joy of baking!

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Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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• Author: Dina
• Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with this delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire. These charming red and white twisted cookies blend the classic flavors of peppermint and vanilla, creating a sweet and minty treat that is visually stunning and utterly irresistible. With simple ingredients and easy steps, bakers of all skill levels can whip up a batch that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or gift them to friends in decorative boxes—the possibilities are endless!

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Ingredients

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• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon red food coloring

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Instructions

1. In a stand mixer, cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
2. Gradually add flour and salt until combined. Divide dough in half; color one half with red food coloring.
3. Chill both portions wrapped in plastic wrap for at least one hour.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll colored dough into logs, twist together to form candy cane shapes, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Chill shaped cookies for an additional 15 minutes before baking for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.

• Prep Time: 90 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg