Candy Cane Cookies

There’s something magical about Candy Cane Cookies that makes them a must-have for any holiday gathering. Their vibrant red and white stripes, combined with the refreshing taste of peppermint, create a festive treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite. With an easy-to-follow recipe, you can whip up a batch in no time and fill your kitchen with delightful holiday scents.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The colorful red and white twist makes these cookies visually appealing for holiday celebrations.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick festive treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a delightful taste that captures the essence of the season.
• Great for Sharing: Ideal for cookie swaps or gifting, these cookies are a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer.
• Versatile Base: While delicious as is, you can customize them by adding sprinkles or using different food colorings.

Tools and Preparation

To bake the perfect Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients evenly, ensuring a consistent dough texture.
• Electric mixer: Using an electric mixer helps achieve fluffy butter and sugar faster than mixing by hand, making the process more efficient.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

For these delightful Candy Cane Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Red food coloring, gel preferred

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy—this should take about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Slowly blend in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until the dough is soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 5: Divide and Dye

Split the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll 1 teaspoon of each color into 4-inch ropes. Next, twist them together gently to form a candy cane shape.

Step 7: Bake

Place the shaped cookies on lined baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Enjoy your festive Candy Cane Cookies fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for the perfect gift, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your candy cane cookie experience.

Festive Platter

• Arrange cookies on a colorful platter with other holiday treats for a vibrant display.
• Add decorative elements like sprigs of holly or edible glitter for extra flair.

Gift Bags

• Place individual cookies in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade gift.
• Include a little note with baking tips or a sweet message to make it special.

Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party with candy cane cookies and other varieties.
• Provide toppings like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, or whipped cream for guests to customize their cookies.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

• Serve candy cane cookies alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate.
• The peppermint flavor complements the rich chocolate, making for a cozy combination.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Achieving the perfect candy cane cookies is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time.

• Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape while baking.
• Use gel food coloring: Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant red without altering the dough’s consistency.
• Measure flour accurately: Spoon and level flour when measuring to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can lead to dry results.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the bottoms are lightly golden for soft, chewy treats.
• Cool properly: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them; this helps avoid breaking.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Pairing your candy cane cookies with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall festive experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Peppermint Bark
   A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint, perfect alongside your cookies.
2. Spiced Apple Cider
   Serve warm spiced apple cider as a cozy beverage that complements the minty flavor of your cookies.
3. Fruit Salad
   A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balances the sweetness of candy cane cookies, making it a refreshing side dish.
4. Cheesecake Bites
   Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy contrast to crispy cookies and can be flavored with peppermint for added harmony.
5. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
   These salty-sweet snacks offer crunch and indulgence, making them an excellent pairing with soft candy cane cookies.
6. Gingerbread Men
   Classic gingerbread men bring seasonal spice and nostalgia, enhancing your holiday cookie spread beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making candy cane cookies, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Neglecting room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or egg can lead to a less fluffy dough. Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature before starting.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Blend just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping measurements: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry or crumbly cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off for precision.
• Inconsistent rope sizes: Rolling uneven ropes can cause uneven baking. Aim for uniform thickness (about 1 tsp) for consistent shapes and baking times.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the pan ensures they hold their shape. Don’t rush this step; let them cool for at least 5 minutes before transferring them.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on medium power for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to candy cane cookies that might help you as you bake.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies without peppermint extract?

Yes, you can substitute with other extracts like vanilla or almond if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make the red color more vibrant in Candy Cane Cookies?

Using gel food coloring helps achieve a brighter hue compared to liquid coloring. Mix thoroughly until the desired shade is reached.

Can Candy Cane Cookies be decorated?

Absolutely! You can drizzle melted chocolate on top or sprinkle crushed candy canes for extra flair.

What’s the best way to store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them fresher longer.

Final Thoughts

Candy cane cookies are not only delightful but also versatile! With their vibrant colors and sweet peppermint flavor, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings. Feel free to customize these treats by adding your favorite festive toppings or adjusting the flavor extracts. Enjoy the magic of holiday baking with this easy recipe!