Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any occasion. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe combines the classic flavors of peppermint and vanilla, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. The vibrant red and white swirl adds a visual appeal that stands out on any dessert table, ensuring these cookies will be a hit among family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The beautiful red and white twisted design makes these cookies eye-catching and fun for the holidays.
- Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint ensures each bite is delightful.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.
- Versatile for Occasions: Great for Christmas parties, winter celebrations, or as homemade gifts for loved ones.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling and twisting the dough can be a fun activity for kids, making baking a family affair.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or Silpat mats
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, saving time and energy.
- Parchment paper or Silpat mats: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensuring easy removal.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the right dough consistency in your Candy Cane Cookies.
Ingredients
Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.
For the Cookies
- 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.
- Reduce mixer speed. Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Color the Dough
- Divide the dough in half.
- In one half of the cookie dough, mix in red food coloring. Combine until evenly colored.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Shape both halves of dough into discs.
- Cover each disc tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Once your dough has chilled:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
- Measure one tablespoon from each color of dough.
- Gently roll each portion into 6-inch-long log shapes.
- Twist the two logs together to create a candy cane shape.
- Transfer to parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
- Chill shaped cookie dough on baking sheets for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Prepare Glaze and Serve
While cookies bake:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk until smooth.
2. Once cookies have cooled slightly, spoon glaze over them before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Cookies! Perfectly festive for sharing or savoring solo!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether during a holiday gathering or as a sweet addition to your dessert table, these cookies bring festive cheer. Here are some serving suggestions to make your Candy Cane Cookies shine.
With Hot Cocoa
- Pair your cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The rich chocolate complements the peppermint flavor perfectly.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange Candy Cane Cookies on a colorful platter alongside other holiday cookies. This creates an inviting display that’s perfect for parties.
As Gift Treats
- Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes. They make great gifts for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season.
With Ice Cream
- Serve your Candy Cane Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The cold and creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cookie.
Dipped in Chocolate
- For an extra indulgent touch, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate. This adds richness and enhances the festive appeal.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
To achieve the best version of this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped cookies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Twist Logs Gently: When shaping, twist the logs gently to maintain their integrity without overworking the dough.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to ensure they don’t overbake; light golden bottoms are ideal.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow cookies to cool fully before adding glaze to prevent it from melting off.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies can pair well with various side dishes that enhance their festive character. Here are some great options:
- Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
- Fruitcake: This rich cake filled with dried fruits and nuts complements the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses like brie and cheddar to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels makes for a fun dipping experience.
- Eggnog: A traditional creamy drink that pairs wonderfully with sweet treats during the holidays.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices add a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with sugary cookies.
- Holiday Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness to your dessert table alongside the rich cookies.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes topped with fruit or chocolate provide a decadent dessert option next to candy cane delights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes is key to success. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Always use room-temperature butter for a fluffy texture.
- Skipping chilling time: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Chill the dough as directed for perfect shapes.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can create tough cookies. Mix just until all ingredients are combined for soft and tender results.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can dry out your cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method to ensure accurate measurements.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
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 cookies in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
- They will last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Cover a skillet on low heat and warm for a few minutes, checking often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe that may help you make these festive treats even better.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
You can use margarine, but it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Butter provides a richer taste.
How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies more colorful?
Consider adding more food coloring or using decorative sprinkles before baking for added flair.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with extra vanilla extract or use crushed candy canes mixed into the dough for flavor.
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled.
Final Thoughts
The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only festive but also versatile. These delicious treats bring joy during the holiday season and can be customized with various toppings or flavors. Try out this recipe and share it with friends and family!
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe! These old-fashioned peppermint cookies are a must-have for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights in with hot cocoa. Featuring a beautiful red and white swirl, these cookies not only taste heavenly with their buttery and refreshing peppermint flavor but also add a charming touch to any dessert table. Easy enough for novice bakers, this recipe is perfect for making cherished memories with family and friends. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with ice cream, these candy cane delights are sure to bring joy to all who taste them!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks 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 together the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt until fully combined.
- Divide dough in half; mix red food coloring into one half until evenly colored.
- Shape both halves into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll equal portions of each dough into logs and twist together to form candy cane shapes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Chill shaped cookies for an additional 15 minutes before baking for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk together until smooth; spoon over cooled cookies before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 103
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 37mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
