Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe brings together the classic flavors of peppermint and buttery goodness, making these cookies ideal for Christmas celebrations, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. These cookies not only look festive with their vibrant red swirls but also taste amazing, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appeal: These cookies are visually stunning, featuring bright red and white stripes that add a cheerful touch to any holiday spread.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a delightful burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Fun to Decorate: Get creative by adding your own twist to the glaze or toppings!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools is essential when making these Candy Cane Cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture in cookies.
- Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking, helping you achieve a golden-brown finish.
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: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. This will create a light base for your cookie dough.
Step 2: Add Egg and Extracts
Add in the egg along with both vanilla and peppermint extracts. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
Step 4: Divide and Color Dough
Divide the dough into two equal halves. In one half, add red food coloring, mixing until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Shape each half into discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Once your dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Shape Cookie Logs
Measure one tablespoon from each color dough. Roll them into 6-inch long logs gently. Twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your twisted cookie shapes onto parchment paper or a Silpat lined baking sheet. Chill again for about 15 minutes before baking.
Step 9: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.
Step 10: Prepare Glaze
While cookies cool slightly after baking, prepare the peppermint glaze by combining powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth. Spoon over cooled cookies as desired.
Enjoy these delightful Candy Cane Cookies during your festive gatherings!
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies can add a festive touch to any occasion.
Use as Holiday Party Favors
- Present these cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons for a charming party favor.
Pair with Hot Cocoa
- The minty taste of Candy Cane Cookies complements warm hot cocoa perfectly, making it an ideal winter treat.
Enjoy with Ice Cream
- Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for a delicious twist on dessert.
Serve on a Festive Platter
- Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies on a colorful platter alongside other seasonal treats to create an eye-catching dessert table.
Gift in a Jar
- Layer crumbled cookies in a jar for an enticing gift that friends and family will love.
Create Cookie Sandwiches
- Spread a layer of peppermint frosting between two cookies for an extra indulgent dessert.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the butter cream more easily, leading to lighter cookies.
- Chill the dough thoroughly – Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t skip the food coloring – It enhances the visual appeal and gives the classic candy cane look.
- Monitor baking time closely – Remove them when they are just turning golden to avoid overbaking.
- Let cool completely before glazing – This ensures the glaze sets properly without melting off.
- Experiment with flavors – Try adding different extracts like almond for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Candy Cane Cookies can be enjoyed alongside several delicious side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some great options to consider:
- Peppermint Bark – A sweet and crunchy treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes, perfect for sharing.
- Fruit Salad – A fresh mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a refreshing contrast.
- Cheese Platter – Include creamy cheeses like brie alongside nuts and dried fruits to create a savory-sweet experience.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts with holiday spices provide crunch and flavor that pair well with sweet treats.
- Gingerbread Men – These classic cookies bring warmth and spice, complementing the minty notes of Candy Cane Cookies.
- Mulled Wine – A warm, spiced drink that enhances the festive atmosphere while pairing nicely with sweet baked goods.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip various fruits or cookie pieces into rich, melted chocolate for an interactive dessert option.
- Eggnog – This creamy holiday beverage adds richness to your cookie experience, making it feel extra special.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Candy Cane Cookies, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your baking experience and ensure delicious results.
- Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is essential for better texture. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a soft and tender result.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and cookie texture.
- Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients yield better flavors. Check expiration dates on your baking essentials, especially the baking powder and extracts.
- Skipping the glaze: The peppermint glaze adds a special touch. Don’t omit it; it enhances both flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe that might help enhance your baking experience.
What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?
Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats that combine the flavors of peppermint and vanilla, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Can I use different colors for my Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes! You can use any food coloring you like to create colorful variations of these delightful cookies.
How do I know when my Candy Cane Cookies are done?
Cookies are ready when they turn a very light golden brown on the bottoms. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking time.
Can I make this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips or nuts if desired. Try this nostalgic treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering!
Old-Fashioned Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the holiday spirit with our Old-Fashioned Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies. These festive treats combine the classic flavors of peppermint and buttery goodness, making them perfect for Christmas celebrations or cozy gatherings with family and friends. With their vibrant red swirls and delightful crunch, these cookies not only taste amazing but also add a cheerful touch to any dessert table. Simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe invites creativity in both flavor and decoration. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a sweet gift for loved ones!
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
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the flour and salt until just combined.
- Divide dough; color one half with red food coloring.
- Chill both halves wrapped in plastic wrap for at least one hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll tablespoons of each color into logs and twist together to form candy cane shapes.
- Chill cookie shapes again for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk; drizzle over cooled cookies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
