Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings the festive spirit to any gathering. With their vibrant red and white swirls, these cookies not only look charming but also offer a refreshing peppermint flavor that everyone will love. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with family, these treats embody the essence of traditional candy canes, making them a must-have during the festive season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The striking red and white swirl design resembles classic candy canes, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday spread.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite bursts with a delightful peppermint taste, perfect for holiday cravings.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, including kids!
• Great for Sharing: These cookies make an excellent gift or treat for neighbors and friends during the holiday season.
• Versatile Decoration: You can customize these cookies with additional toppings like crushed candy canes or icing to suit your festive style.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Candy Cane Cookies, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup while baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time you bake.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 2-3 drops red food coloring

For Topping

• 1 cup crushed candy canes (or peppermint candies)
• Additional granulated sugar for garnish

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How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Color the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Leave one half as is and add a few drops of red food coloring to the other half. Knead the colored dough until the color is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Form the Cookies

Take small pieces from each dough half. Roll them into ropes of equal length. Twist the red and white ropes together to form a candy cane shape. Pinch the ends to seal securely.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place formed cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional granulated sugar before baking. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes on top for extra festive flair. Serve these Candy Cane Cookies at your next gathering and enjoy spreading holiday cheer!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Serving Candy Cane Cookies can add a festive touch to any holiday gathering. These delightful treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Create a colorful cookie platter by arranging Candy Cane Cookies alongside other holiday cookies. This mix will delight guests and enhance the festive atmosphere.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve your Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The combination of minty flavors and chocolate is sure to be a crowd-pleaser during cold winter nights.

Gift Packaging

• Package individual Candy Cane Cookies in clear bags tied with red ribbons. This makes for an excellent homemade gift that friends and neighbors will appreciate.

Holiday Cookie Exchange

• Bring your Candy Cane Cookies to a cookie exchange party. They will stand out among traditional options, offering a unique flavor that everyone will remember.

Dessert Table Feature

• Include the cookies as part of a larger dessert table at holiday parties. Their vibrant colors will attract attention and add charm to the overall display.

Kids’ Baking Activity

• Involve kids in decorating the cookies with extra crushed candy canes or sprinkles. This fun activity not only creates lasting memories but also results in beautifully personalized treats!

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape during cooking.
• Uniform Size: Make sure all cookie pieces are rolled to similar sizes for even baking. This prevents some from being overdone while others remain undercooked.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking and promote easy cleanup.
• Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies closely as they bake; remove them when the edges are barely golden for soft, chewy centers.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or vanilla for unique twists on the classic peppermint flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness and prevent them from getting too hard.

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Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

When serving Candy Cane Cookies, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Peppermint Bark: A sweet treat made of layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candies; it pairs wonderfully with the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a light contrast to the sweet cookies, balancing flavors well during festive meals.
3. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar; their richness can enhance the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Nut Mix: A spiced nut mix provides a crunchy texture that complements the soft Candy Cane Cookies perfectly.
5. Whipped Cream Dip: Serve a fluffy whipped cream dip flavored with vanilla or peppermint alongside fruit skewers for dipping.
6. Eggnog: Traditional eggnog is creamy and festive, making it an ideal beverage choice alongside your holiday cookies.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over sliced apples or serve it as a dip, enhancing both flavors wonderfully when paired with the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Candy Cane Cookies can be a joyful experience, but there are some common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your flour and sugar accurately. Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Skipping Chilling Time: If you rush the dough preparation and skip chilling, the cookies may spread too much. Allow the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes for better results.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a pan can cause sticking. Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cookies.
• Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Overbaking will result in hard cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Ignoring Food Coloring Distribution: Make sure to knead the red food coloring thoroughly into the dough. Uneven coloring will affect the appearance of your Candy Cane Cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze cookies individually before placing them together.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.

How do I adjust the flavor of my Candy Cane Cookies?

Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or even chocolate for unique flavors!

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches a good consistency for rolling.

Can I decorate my Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use icing, sprinkles, or more crushed candy canes for extra festive flair.

Final Thoughts

These Candy Cane Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile enough to customize with various flavors and decorations. Share them at your holiday gatherings or enjoy them as a cozy snack at home. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!