Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These old-fashioned peppermint cookies are not only visually appealing with their festive red and white swirls but are also bursting with flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home, this recipe brings a nostalgic touch to your Christmas festivities. With their unique combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint, these cookies stand out as a must-try during the festive season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The red and white swirls make these cookies a stunning addition to any holiday platter.
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of vanilla and peppermint creates a sweet, minty taste that is unforgettable.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, even novice bakers can successfully create these delightful treats.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package them in decorative boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays.
- Versatile Treat: Great for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, ensure you have the right tools to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
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: This tool makes mixing ingredients much easier and ensures a fluffy texture for your dough.
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: These surfaces prevent sticking and help achieve an even bake on your 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 until fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; scrape down sides of the bowl as needed.
- Reduce mixer speed and add flour and salt; mix until well combined.
Step 2: Color the Dough
- Divide the dough in half.
- In the stand mixer bowl, mix one half of the cookie dough with red food coloring until evenly colored.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
- Shape each colored dough into discs.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.
Step 4: Preheat Oven
Once dough has chilled, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Measure one tablespoon of each color dough.
- Roll each portion into 6-inch long log shapes.
- Twist cookie logs together and transfer them onto parchment paper or a Silpat-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill Again Before Baking
Chill shaped cookie dough for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.
Step 8: Prepare Glaze
While cookies are baking, prepare the peppermint glaze by mixing powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth.
Step 9: Glaze Cookies
Spoon glaze over cookies after they have cooled slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delightful Candy Cane Cookies!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that adds festive cheer to any gathering. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of these holiday cookies.
With Hot Chocolate
- Pairing these cookies with a steaming cup of hot chocolate makes for a cozy treat on chilly days.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with red ribbons. They make perfect festive party favors for guests to take home.
On a Cookie Platter
- Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies alongside other holiday favorites like gingerbread and sugar cookies for a colorful holiday cookie platter.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm Candy Cane Cookies atop a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The pairing brings out the peppermint flavor beautifully.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea. The peppermint flavor complements the warmth of both beverages perfectly.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
To achieve the best results for your Candy Cane Cookies, follow these handy tips.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain the shape of the cookies while baking, ensuring they don’t spread too much.
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Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and peppermint extracts for richer flavors that elevate your cookies’ taste.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly. An accurate temperature guarantees even baking and prevents burning.
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Shape Uniformly: Roll your cookie logs evenly for consistent baking. This will help them cook evenly and look great.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before applying the glaze. This prevents it from melting off.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet peppermint flavor. Here are some delicious options:
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Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes, perfect for serving alongside.
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Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the cookies, providing a colorful contrast.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, offers a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies.
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Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts with spices create a crunchy snack that pairs well with the soft texture of Candy Cane Cookies.
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Hot Apple Cider: Serving warm apple cider alongside enhances the holiday spirit and complements the minty flavors.
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Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert experience by serving warm chocolate fondue for dipping your Candy Cane Cookies.
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Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in holiday flavors like peppermint or red velvet to create an exciting dessert table setup.
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Marshmallow Treats: Sweet marshmallow treats add another chewy texture that pairs nicely with crunchy cookie delights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.
- Incorrect butter temperature – Using cold butter instead of room temperature can result in dense cookies. Always let your butter sit out until it’s soft.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Stop mixing once the flour is just combined for a tender texture.
- Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step may lead to cookies spreading too much while baking. Always refrigerate your dough as instructed.
- Ignoring baking time – Baking cookies too long can cause them to become hard. Keep an eye on them and take them out when they are lightly golden.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can ruin the recipe. Use precise measuring cups and spoons for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- You can freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to three months.
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag.
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 for a fresh taste.
- Stovetop – Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe that might help you during your baking journey.
Can I use margarine instead of butter in this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
You can substitute margarine, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. Butter gives a richer taste.
How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies look festive?
Add crushed candy cane pieces on top of the glaze or sprinkle with edible glitter before serving for a fun touch.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can use mint extract as an alternative, but adjust the amount since it’s often stronger than peppermint extract.
How long does it take to make the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
Generally, it takes about 90 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and chilling.
Final Thoughts
The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. You can customize these cookies by adding different extracts or toppings. Try them out this holiday season for a delightful treat that will surely impress family and friends!
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the nostalgia of old-fashioned peppermint cookies with a festive flair. These charming red and white swirled cookies not only look stunning on any holiday platter but also offer an irresistible blend of buttery sweetness and refreshing mint flavor.
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, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts; mix well.
- Gradually add flour and salt until combined. Divide the dough in half; tint one half with red food coloring.
- Shape both halves into discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll each color into logs, twist together, and place on lined baking sheets.
- Chill dough for another 15 minutes before baking for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar with peppermint extract and milk; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
