Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the festive spirit right into your kitchen. These old-fashioned peppermint cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. With their vibrant colors and sweet peppermint flavor, Candy Cane Cookies stand out as a favorite Christmas delight that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a deliciously unique taste that screams holiday cheer.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Shape: You can twist these cookies into traditional candy cane shapes or create fun designs to impress your guests.
- Great for Gifting: Pack them in decorative boxes for charming gifts that friends and family will adore.
- Fun Activity: Baking these cookies is an enjoyable activity to do with kids, making memories while creating treats!
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the Candy Cane Cookies, gather all necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes mixing the dough effortless and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for perfect results in baking.
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: Prevents cookies from sticking and aids in easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.
For the Cookie 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
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Reduce mixer speed and slowly add in the flour and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Divide dough in half.
Step 3: Color the Dough
- In one half of the cookie dough, mix in red food coloring. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
- Shape each colored dough into discs and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.
Step 5: Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies
- Once chilled, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Measure one tablespoon from each color dough. Roll into 6-inch long log shapes.
- Twist both logs together gently and transfer them to parchment paper or a Silpat lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
- Chill shaped cookie dough for 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until bottoms are light golden brown.
- While cookies bake, prepare glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk. Spoon over cooled cookies after they have slightly cooled.
Enjoy your festive Candy Cane Cookies! They are sure to bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are not just delightful treats; they can also be served in various ways to enhance your festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Hot Cocoa
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The peppermint flavor complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
As Part of a Cookie Platter
- Arrange Candy Cane Cookies on a festive cookie platter with other holiday favorites. This colorful display will impress your guests and offer variety.
Crumbled Over Ice Cream
- For a fun dessert twist, crumble Candy Cane Cookies over vanilla ice cream. The combination of textures and flavors creates a delightful treat.
Gift-Wrapped for Friends
- Package these cookies in decorative bags or boxes to share with friends and family. A personal touch makes this sweet gift even more special.
With Eggnog
- Pair your cookies with creamy eggnog for a classic holiday drink combo. The flavors of peppermint and nutmeg blend beautifully together.
On a Dessert Buffet
- Include Candy Cane Cookies as part of your dessert buffet at parties. They add color and a festive spirit that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips that can make all the difference in taste and presentation.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps it maintain shape while baking, preventing spreading.
- Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and peppermint extracts for richer flavors that stand out.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft on top.
- Let Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool slightly before glazing so the glaze doesn’t melt off.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring for vibrant candy cane stripes or subtle hues.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies can be enjoyed with various side dishes that complement their festive flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing that provides warmth and richness, perfect for winter gatherings.
- Peppermint Bark: This sweet treat echoes the peppermint flavor of the cookies, enhancing their festive appeal.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that balances out the sweetness of cookies with fresh flavors.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast the sweetness of the cookies.
- Spiced Nuts: These add a savory crunch that pairs well with sweet treats like Candy Cane Cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the minty flavor nicely while providing creaminess.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink adds a rich, spiced flavor that matches wonderfully with candy cane sweetness.
- Christmas Fruitcake: A traditional addition during holidays, it offers dense fruit flavors that contrast well with light cookie textures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to better results. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar. Always use room temperature butter for a fluffy texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread too much. Chill the dough for at least one hour to maintain shape.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a softer cookie.
- Inaccurate measurements: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Always use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
- Baking on ungreased pans: Not using parchment paper or silicone mats may cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
- Can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for texture.
Can I customize my Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
What is the best way to decorate Candy Cane Cookies?
Use festive sprinkles or drizzle chocolate before serving for a delightful presentation.
How long will my Candy Cane Cookies recipe stay fresh?
When stored properly, they will last up to one week in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
These Candy Cane Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for holiday gatherings. Their charming appearance and minty flavor make them a festive treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or fillings to suit your taste!
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect festive treat that will bring holiday cheer into your home. With their delightful combination of minty peppermint and sweet vanilla flavors, these charming cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile in design. Whether twisted into classic candy cane shapes or crafted into fun patterns, they are sure to impress at holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. Enjoy them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or gift them to friends and family for a heartwarming gesture. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the season!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter (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
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts; mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined. Divide the dough in half.
- Mix red food coloring into one half of the dough until evenly colored.
- Chill both dough halves wrapped in plastic wrap for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll tablespoon-sized pieces from each color into long logs and twist together. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Cool before glazing with a mixture of powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
