Quick Overview

Get ready to bake a batch of delightful candy cane cookies that will fill your home with the sweet scent of peppermint! These festive treats are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red and white swirls but also offer a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift for loved ones, candy cane cookies are sure to become a family favorite. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about making these delicious cookies from scratch.

Ingredient Breakdown

All-Purpose Flour

To create the base of your candy cane cookies, you’ll need 2 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour. This versatile ingredient provides structure and texture to the cookie dough. Make sure to sift it before measuring for accurate results.

Unsalted Butter

You’ll use 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter at room temperature. Butter adds richness and moisture to the dough. Ensure it’s softened properly so that it incorporates well with the sugar.

Granulated Sugar

For sweetness, include 1 cup of granulated sugar. This ingredient not only sweetens the cookies but also contributes to their tender texture. Be sure to cream it well with the butter.

Powdered Sugar

Adding ½ cup of powdered sugar will give your candy cane cookies a light sweetness and a smooth texture. It helps in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality that everyone loves.

Egg

One large egg is necessary for binding the ingredients together. The egg introduces moisture and stability into the cookie dough while also contributing to its rich flavor.

Peppermint Extract

Use 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for that signature candy cane flavor. This ingredient infuses the dough with refreshing minty notes that make these cookies festive and aromatic.

Red Food Coloring

A few drops of red food coloring will give your candies their iconic color. This is optional but highly recommended for creating those beautiful swirls in your cookie dough.

Baking Powder

You will need 1 teaspoon of baking powder to help your cookies rise slightly while baking. This leavening agent ensures that they remain soft and chewy rather than flat and hard.

Crushed Candy Canes

Finally, include ½ cup of crushed candy canes for decoration and extra crunch. These will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add bursts of peppermint flavor throughout each cookie.

Step By Step Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures an even baking environment for your candy cane cookies. Proper preheating allows the butter to melt just right, creating that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents sticking and helps achieve an evenly baked cookie without any mess on your trays. Making this preparation allows easy cleanup once baking is done.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. This process incorporates air into the mixture for softer cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Peppermint Extract

Beat in one large egg followed by one teaspoon of peppermint extract until well combined. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly enhances flavor while ensuring a cohesive dough consistency.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until evenly blended. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Divide Dough for Coloring

Divide the cookie dough into two equal parts; leave one as is while adding red food coloring to the other half. Mix until you achieve your desired shade—this creates that striking contrast when you swirl them together later.

Step 7: Create Swirls

Take small pieces from both colored doughs and roll them into logs about six inches long. Place them next to each other on a clean surface; gently twist them together without fully blending until you have a marbled effect resembling a candy cane pattern.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Cut each twisted log into approximately half-inch thick slices using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Place each slice on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart since they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 9: Sprinkle Crushed Candy Canes

Before placing them in the oven, sprinkle crushed candy canes generously on top of each cookie slice for added flair and flavor! Ensure they stick well by gently pressing down if needed.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown but centers remain soft—remember they’ll continue cooking after being removed from heat! Let cool on pans for a few minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful candy cane cookies fresh out of the oven or at room temperature alongside hot cocoa or coffee during holiday gatherings! They make wonderful gifts when presented in decorative tins or boxes tied with ribbons—perfect for sharing joy during festivities!

Storing Leftovers

To store leftover candy cane cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week—if they last that long! For longer storage options, consider freezing them in zip-top bags; they’ll maintain quality for up to three months when properly sealed.

Enjoy making these delicious candy cane cookies this holiday season!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when making Candy Cane Cookies is overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and chewy texture. Mix just until combined to keep them light and tender.

Another mistake is not chilling the dough before baking. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking and enhances flavor. If you skip this step, your cookies may spread too much in the oven, resulting in flat treats.

Using stale or expired ingredients is a significant error as well. Fresh ingredients ensure that your Candy Cane Cookies have the best flavor and texture. Always check expiration dates on baking soda, flour, and other essentials before starting your recipe.

Failing to measure ingredients accurately can also ruin your cookies. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to get the right proportions. This precision leads to perfect Candy Cane Cookies every time.

Lastly, neglecting to preheat your oven can affect how evenly your cookies bake. Always ensure your oven reaches the correct temperature before placing your cookie sheets inside for optimal results.

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Tips and tricks

To make perfect Candy Cane Cookies, start with soft butter at room temperature. Softened butter creams better with sugar, creating a lighter texture in your cookies. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy for about 2-3 minutes to incorporate air into the mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful chewiness you desire in each bite.

Incorporate crushed candy canes into your dough for a festive touch and extra flavor. Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush them into small pieces but avoid dust-like powder. You want visible candy bits that will add texture and bursts of minty flavor without overwhelming your cookies.

For an even more vibrant look, consider adding red or green food coloring to half of the dough before shaping it into swirls or stripes. This technique not only enhances visual appeal but also allows you to create unique designs that stand out on any holiday dessert table.

Another useful tip is to use parchment paper or silicone baking mats on your cookie sheets. These surfaces prevent sticking and promote even baking without needing excessive greasing, helping maintain the shape of your Candy Cane Cookies perfectly.

Finally, allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack after baking. This step helps them firm up properly and enhances their taste as they continue to set outside of the oven’s heat.

Suggestions for Candy Cane Cookies

Consider experimenting with different flavors by adding extracts like peppermint or vanilla along with crushed candy canes for an enhanced taste profile. The combination creates a delightful twist that complements the classic recipe beautifully while still keeping it festive.

For decoration, try drizzling melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and then sprinkling additional crushed candy canes on top for an elegant finish. This simple addition elevates both appearance and flavor, making them irresistible holiday treats.

You might also want to package these cookies beautifully for gifting purposes during the holiday season. Use clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons or place them in decorative tins to present them attractively while sharing with friends and family.

Lastly, serve these delightful candies alongside hot cocoa or coffee at holiday gatherings for a perfect pairing that everyone will love. The combination of warm drinks with sweet treats creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for celebrating seasonal festivities.

FAQs

What are Candy Cane Cookies?

Candy Cane Cookies are delicious festive treats made primarily from butter, sugar, flour, eggs, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes. They feature a classic cookie dough base shaped into swirls resembling candy canes or simply decorated with bits of crushed candy cane topping, offering a delightful minty flavor perfect for holiday celebrations.

How long do Candy Cane Cookies last?

When properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Candy Cane Cookies typically last about one week. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them for several months without losing much quality in taste or texture when thawed later on.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! To make gluten-free Candy Cane Cookies, simply substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking such as almond flour or coconut flour mixed with xanthan gum. This adjustment allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these festive treats without compromising on taste.

Can I use other types of candy instead of candy canes?

Absolutely! While traditional Candy Cane Cookies use crushed candy canes for decoration and flavor, you could experiment by using chopped chocolate bars or other hard candies like peppermint patties or M&M’s instead. Each substitution will provide its unique twist while maintaining a delicious result.

Can I add extra decorations on my Candy Cane Cookies?

Certainly! Adding sprinkles or edible glitter before baking gives your Candy Cane Cookies an extra festive touch while enhancing their visual appeal during holiday celebrations. Just be sure not to overload them so that they remain true to their classic style!

Is there a dairy-free version of Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes! To create dairy-free Candy Cane Cookies, substitute regular butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter sticks suitable for baking purposes. Ensure any other components like chocolate chips are also dairy-free if you plan on including them in your recipe without compromising dietary preferences.

Summary

In summary, making delectable Candy Cane Cookies requires avoiding common pitfalls such as overmixing dough and neglecting ingredient freshness while utilizing helpful tips like incorporating crushed candy canes and preheating ovens correctly. Consider unique suggestions like using various flavors or beautiful packaging options when sharing these festive delights during the holidays!