There’s something truly special about baking candy cane cookies during the holiday season. These delightful treats bring together the classic flavors of peppermint and buttery sweetness, making them a favorite for holiday gatherings and cozy nights by the fire. Whether you’re baking to share with family or simply indulging in a festive treat, candy cane cookies create a whimsical and delicious centerpiece that adds cheer to any occasion.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, then mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; leave one half plain. Add red gel food coloring to the other half until evenly distributed.
- Wrap both doughs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll 1 teaspoon each of the red and plain dough into 4-inch long ropes.
- Twist one red and one white rope together, shaping them into a candy cane or ring, and pinch the ends to seal.
- Roll the shaped cookies in granulated sugar and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What makes these candy cane cookies stand out? For starters, they’re visually striking, showcasing a beautiful red and white swirl that resembles festive candy canes. They are easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, and they fill your home with an irresistible peppermint aroma as they bake.
Step-by-Step Overview
Making candy cane cookies is a straightforward yet enchanting process. Start with creaming the butter and sugar, followed by incorporating your extracts. After mixing in the flour, color half of the dough red for that classic candy cane look. When everything is chilled and ready, simply shape the cookies into delightful candy canes and bake until lightly set. The end result is a fun, festive, and tasty cookie that your loved ones will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delightful candy cane cookie recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring, as needed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Feel free to explore substitutions, such as using a sugar substitute if you’re watching your sugar intake, or replacing butter with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan version.
Directions to Follow
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, then mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; leave one half plain. Add red gel food coloring to the other half until evenly distributed.
- Wrap both doughs in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll 1 teaspoon each of the red and plain dough into 4-inch long ropes.
- Twist one red and one white rope together, shaping them into a candy cane or ring, and pinch the ends to seal.
- Roll the shaped cookies in granulated sugar and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set but not browned.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Candy cane cookies are best served after a cooling period, allowing their flavors to meld. They can be enjoyed alone or paired with a warm drink like peppermint tea or classic hot chocolate. For a festive platter, mix these vibrant cookies with other holiday treats such as gingerbread men or sugar cookies.
A creative twist is to serve them in a festive bag as part of a holiday gift, or crumble them over ice cream for a holiday dessert that will impress.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your candy cane cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they will last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure perfect candy cane cookies, consider these additional tips. Use room-temperature butter to create a smoother dough, which helps in achieving the desired texture. When coloring the dough, gel food coloring works best because it won’t add excess moisture. Additionally, be gentle when rolling out the ropes to maintain their shape.
If you find the dough too soft to handle after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before shaping.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to explore variations of this delightful recipe! For a chocolate twist, add cocoa powder to the plain dough for a chocolate-candy cane combination. Alternatively, you can experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or coconut for interesting flavor profiles. If you’re catering to dietary preferences, try using gluten-free flour or a sugar alternative to adapt to various needs.
FAQs
How long does it take to make candy cane cookies?
From start to finish, including chilling time, expect the process to take around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Is there a substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use an equal amount of spearmint extract or even a bit of crushed peppermint candies mixed into the dough for flavor and texture.
Looking for more sweet inspiration? Check out our delicious recipes for high protein bagels or protein muffins to enjoy alongside your candy cane cookies!
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