Candy Cane Cookies are the delightful treat that will make your holiday season merry and bright. With their sweet peppermint flavor, these cookies evoke memories of childhood and the excitement of decorating the tree. delightful holiday dessert ideas Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with swirls of red and white, while the scent of fresh peppermint wafts through your kitchen. traditional holiday flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving cranberry stuffing recipe recipe.
If you’re looking for a festive addition to your holiday dessert table or a fun baking project to do with your kids, Candy Cane Cookies are perfect. fun baking activities for kids They capture the essence of the holidays—sweetness, joy, and just a hint of nostalgia.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Cookies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- Their festive colors and flavors add visual appeal to any holiday spread
- The cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or during special occasions
- Plus, they fill your home with delightful aromas as they bake
Baking these cookies brings back memories of laughter-filled afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen. We would create our own baking masterpieces while indulging in the sweet taste of candy canes. For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato au gratin recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie recipe; use unbleached for a richer flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich, creamy texture.
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Eggs: Provides structure; always use large eggs for consistent results.
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Peppermint Extract: A must-have for that authentic candy cane flavor; don’t skimp on quality!
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Red Food Coloring: To achieve those lovely swirls; gel coloring works best for vibrant hues.
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Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy; check expiration date for effectiveness.
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Candy Canes: Crush these for topping; they add both flavor and festive flair!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up later.
Create Your Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in eggs one at a time along with peppermint extract until well combined. The mixture should appear smooth and inviting.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
Add Color Swirls: Divide dough into two bowls. In one bowl, incorporate red food coloring until you achieve a vibrant hue. Gently fold this into the other dough without fully blending—this creates beautiful swirls!
Shape and Bake Cookies: Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are slightly golden.
Let’s take a moment to savor that aroma wafting through your kitchen while you wait! The anticipation is real.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding crushed candy canes on top for that festive touch.
Enjoy these Candy Cane Cookies during holiday gatherings or cozy nights in with hot cocoa! They’re sure to delight friends and family alike while filling your home with warmth and cheer.
You Must Know
- These candy cane cookies are a festive delight, with a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy textures
- The peppermint aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is heavenly
- Make sure to have extra candy canes on hand for decorating; you won’t regret it!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and extracts. Gradually mix in flour and crushed candy canes before chilling the dough for perfect shaping.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also dip the cookies in chocolate for an extra decadent touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it prevents spreading and helps maintain shape
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles or toppings to customize your cookies!
Baking these cookies always brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter filled the air as we crushed candy canes together. It was pure holiday magic!
FAQ
Can I use other types of candy instead of candy canes?
Yes, feel free to experiment with crushed chocolate or seasonal candies.
How long do these cookies last?
Candy cane cookies stay fresh for about one week when stored properly.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a festive classic, bringing the joyful flavors of peppermint and nostalgia right to your holiday dessert table. These soft, chewy cookies feature delightful swirls of red and white, making them visually appealing and perfect for any winter gathering. With their sweet aroma filling the kitchen, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (gel)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by peppermint extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Divide dough into two bowls; add red food coloring to one bowl and gently fold it into the other for swirls.
- Form dough balls and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool slightly before topping with crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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