Irresistible Candy Cane Cookies Recipe: A Festive Treat

Candy cane cookies are a Christmas classic, aren’t they? Their vibrant red and white swirls and refreshing peppermint flavor perfectly capture the holiday spirit. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe will guide you through creating these festive treats, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your baking journey. This easy candy cane cookies recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or simply enjoying a cozy night in. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some magic in the kitchen!

Similar to our classic christmas cookie recipes, these candy cane cookies are a must-have for the holiday season.

Gathering Your Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Festive Flavor

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients. This candy cane cookies recipe uses readily available pantry staples, making it convenient for even last-minute baking sessions.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (or more, to taste!)
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring
• Crushed candy canes, for decorating (optional)

Mixing the Dough: Where the Magic Begins

This stage of the candy cane cookies recipe is crucial for developing the right texture. Creaming the butter and sugar together properly incorporates air, resulting in light and airy cookies. Remember, overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle!

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. Beat in the egg and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract will infuse the dough with that signature candy cane flavor.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Mixing Candy Cane Cookie Dough

Creating the Swirls: A Festive Transformation

This is where the artistry comes into play! Creating those iconic red and white swirls is what makes candy cane cookies so visually appealing.

1. Divide the dough in half. One half will remain its natural color, while the other half will be transformed with red food coloring.
2. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half of the dough. Knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more until you achieve the desired shade of red.
3. Roll each portion of dough into a 12-inch log. Try to make the logs as uniform in size as possible.
4. Place the two logs side-by-side and gently twist them together. Imagine you’re braiding hair! Then, roll the twisted dough into a larger log, about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to slice and bake.

Candy Cane Cookie Dough Swirls

Baking the Cookies: From Dough to Delight

Now, for the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Baking the cookies is the final step in bringing these festive treats to life.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for accurate baking.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Slice the chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If the dough becomes too soft to handle, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
4. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For those who enjoy a minty chocolate combination, our chocolate peppermint cookies recipe is another festive option worth exploring.

Baked Candy Cane Cookies

Decorating and Enjoying: The Final Touches

While these candy cane cookies are delicious on their own, you can add a little extra sparkle by decorating them with crushed candy canes. Simply sprinkle the crushed candy canes over the warm cookies before they cool completely.

Now, grab a glass of milk (or maybe a sugar cookie martini recipe for the adults!), gather your loved ones, and savor the festive goodness of these homemade candy cane cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond, vanilla, or even orange for a unique twist.

2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the dough log for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to a week.

This candy cane cookies recipe is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. The combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint creates a truly irresistible treat. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the magic of baking! Don’t forget to check out our peppermint cookie recipe for another minty treat. If you’re looking for classic chocolate indulgence, our hershey recipes chocolate cookies will surely satisfy your sweet cravings. Share your baking adventures and tag us in your creations – we can’t wait to see what you whip up!