Candy Cane Cookies are the festive delights that make your taste buds jingle with joy. With their sweet peppermint essence and delightful crunch, these cookies are like a winter wonderland in every bite. Picture this: you take a bite, and it’s as if Santa himself has sprinkled magic dust all over your taste buds—delightfully sweet, refreshingly minty, and just a tad chewy. The aroma wafting through your kitchen during baking is enough to lure even the Grinch from his cave.
I remember the first time I made Candy Cane Cookies. It was a snowy December afternoon. My kitchen looked like a scene from a holiday movie, complete with flour clouds and an overexcited cat trying to “help” (read: knock things over). As I pulled the first batch out of the oven, my family gathered around, their eyes wide with anticipation. Trust me; these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in when you want something sweet to warm your heart.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
- Their unique flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with refreshing peppermint for an unforgettable treat.
- Visually appealing with their bright red and white swirls, they make a great addition to any cookie platter.
- They’re versatile too—great for Christmas parties or an everyday indulgence!
Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that creamy texture that makes cookies melt in your mouth.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect cookie crunch.
- Egg: One large egg is essential as it binds all ingredients together.
- Vanilla Extract: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor—your cookies will thank you later.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps your cookies rise slightly while keeping them soft inside.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main ingredient that gives structure; make sure it’s spooned into the measuring cup for accuracy.
- Crushed Candy Canes: These little bits of joy add both flavor and festive flair to your cookies.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab some parchment paper and line two baking sheets; this will save you from cookie-related disasters later.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You want it airy enough that it feels like you’re whipping clouds!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. This step infuses your dough with dreamy flavors—don’t skip it!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently—you don’t want flour flying everywhere unless you enjoy cleaning up!
Step 5: Fold in Crushed Candy Canes
Gently fold in those crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll feel like a holiday elf sprinkling magic into each scoop.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they start turning golden around the edges but still look soft in the middle.
Transfer to plates once cooled slightly, and watch as everyone fights over who gets the last one!
These Candy Cane Cookies aren’t just treats; they’re memories waiting to happen. So grab your apron, channel your inner baker, and let those aromas fill your home this season!
You Must Know
- Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy and cheer.
- With their festive colors and peppermint flavor, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply indulging in yourself.
- These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dough. Mix your sugar, butter, and eggs until creamy. Gradually add flour and crushed candy canes. Shape your cookies and place them on a baking sheet before popping them into the oven for about 10-12 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize these Candy Cane Cookies by adding chocolate chips or swapping out peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer. You can even sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top before baking for an extra festive flair!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 8-10 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly chewy Candy Cane Cookies, avoid overbaking them; they should be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven.
- Try chilling the dough for better shaping results.
- And remember, the more crushed candy canes on top, the merrier!
Sometimes I make these cookies just to see my kids’ faces light up when they spot them cooling on the counter—it’s pure magic!
FAQs :
What are Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats that combine the flavors of peppermint and vanilla. These cookies are often made during the holiday season, featuring a dough that is swirled with red and white colors, resembling a traditional candy cane. The minty flavor comes from peppermint extract, which gives these cookies their iconic taste. They can be decorated with crushed candy canes or drizzled with white chocolate for an extra special touch.
How do you store Candy Cane Cookies?
To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from becoming stale. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the cookies. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them perfect for holiday preparation.
Can I make Candy Cane Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Candy Cane Cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of regular flour. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly to achieve perfect cookies. This way, everyone can enjoy these delightful treats during the festive season without worrying about gluten sensitivity.
What variations can I try for Candy Cane Cookies?
There are many delicious variations for Candy Cane Cookies! For instance, you can incorporate chocolate chips into the dough for a richer flavor. Alternatively, add crushed nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and taste. Experimenting with different extracts like vanilla or almond can also create unique flavor profiles while keeping the festive spirit alive in your cookies.
Conclusion for Candy Cane Cookies :
In summary, Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that captures the essence of the season with their peppermint flavor and festive appearance. Storing them properly ensures they remain fresh for longer enjoyment, while gluten-free variations allow everyone to partake in this seasonal joy. With endless customization options available, these cookies can become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy baking and sharing these sweet delights!
Candy Cane Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, blending sweet peppermint and buttery goodness, perfect for festive celebrations and cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing gently.
- Fold in Crushed Candy Canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges but still soft in the middle.
- Cool and Serve: Allow cookies to cool slightly on the sheets before transferring them to plates to enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - Avoid overbaking for chewy cookies; they should be slightly soft when removed from the oven. - For added flavor, consider incorporating chocolate chips or extra crushed candy canes on top before baking.
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