Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies: The Sweetest Holiday Treat

The holiday season calls for delightful treats that fill our kitchens with nostalgic scents and create cherished memories. Candy Cane Cookies deliver on all fronts, captivating our senses with their vibrant red and white stripes and enchanting peppermint flavor. Each cookie is a festive delight, combining the buttery richness of cookie dough with a crisp peppermint finish. As you bite into these whimsical confections, you’re not just tasting sugar and flour, but you’re transported to those cozy childhood days spent decorating with loved ones. Fast, creative, and utterly kid-friendly, these cookies are every baker’s dream during the merriest time of the year.

Can you resist the holiday charm of Candy Cane Cookies?

Close your eyes and picture this: the sweet, minty aroma wafting from your oven, filling your home with the spirit of the season. Do you ever find yourself dreaming about those charming Christmas treats that not only taste incredible but also look oh-so-adorable? Candy Cane Cookies are here to satisfy your cravings and bring a touch of holiday magic to your baking adventures. Are you ready to create some seasonal nostalgia that delights both young and old alike?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Embrace the sweet simplicity of Candy Cane Cookies. Here’s why they should be on your baking list:

Easy Prep: With easy-to-follow steps, these cookies come together quickly, perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s your family,your friends, or your coworkers, everyone will fall in love with these festive treats.
Minimal Ingredients: With basic pantry staples, you won’t need to hunt for exotic items or ingredients.
Instant Gratification: Who can resist freshly baked cookies cooling on the counter, just waiting to be devoured?

Ingredients

To whip up these stunning Candy Cane Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, giving structure and chew.
1/2 tsp. baking powder: For that delightful lift that keeps your cookies airy.
1/2 tsp. kosher salt: A pinch to enhance flavors and balance sweetness.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The magic ingredient that makes cookies soft, rich, and irresistible, coaxing out all buttery goodness.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetener that makes every bite a sugar rush.
1 large egg: The binding element that brings all ingredients together.
1 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract: The star flavor that screams “holiday spirit” and adds that refreshing kick.
5 drops (or more) red food coloring: The perfect touch to create those iconic candy cane stripes.

Imagine mixing these together, feeling the soft dough form under your fingertips, and discovering a world of flavor and nostalgia.

Timing

In just about 30 minutes of active preparation time, plus some chilling time (which you can use for wrapping gifts or enjoying holiday music), you’ll have these beauties baking in the oven.

Want something quick and indulgent? These cookies are your go-to option. But if you crave a more luxurious experience, you can take your time to perfect those candy cane shapes! Just know that the wait is worth it when you finally take that first bite.

Step-by-Step

Let’s walk through the process of crafting your Candy Cane Cookies for that sprinkle of holiday pizzazz:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, releasing a cloud of baking powder that almost transports you into your childhood kitchen.
In another large bowl, using a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth, like sweetened butter clouds.
Add the egg and peppermint extract, beating until fully combined, enveloping you in their rich, festive aroma.
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture with your mixer on medium-low speed, blending until incorporated. The mix will quickly turn into a pliable dough that you just can’t resist touching.
Remove half of the dough from the bowl, forming it into a disk, then wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap.
For the other half, it’s time to add those red food coloration drops! Mix until you achieve a beautiful, vibrant red, reminiscent of candy cane stripes.
Form the red dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate both doughs until firm (at least 2 hours or up to 3 days). As the dough sets, utilize this time to create lasting holiday memories, knowing that sweet indulgence awaits you.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and on a work surface, divide each disk into 18 pieces (about 2 tablespoons each).
Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope in your palms, feeling the dough warm up as you create the perfect lengths.
Take one red and one white rope and twist them together, bending the top into a hook to form a candy cane shape, as your kitchen starts to smell of sweetness.
Transfer to the prepared sheets and repeat until all cookies are shaped, giggling at how festive they look.
Freeze until chilled (at least 30 minutes or even up to 3 days), truly embodying the spirit of anticipation.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and bake the cookies until just set and lightly golden at the edges, approximately 12 to 14 minutes.
Let them cool, taking a moment to admire your holiday handiwork and anticipating the joy they will bring.

Nutritional Information

While delicious Candy Cane Cookies are certainly a treat, it’s good to be mindful of the indulgence! Each cookie is around 150 calories—but who’s counting during the holidays? The flavors and textures exude everything deliciously festive, so allow yourself the pleasure of these sugary delights.

Healthier Alternatives

Want a slightly lighter option? Consider substituting with low-sugar alternatives or using coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version. Almond flour can also serve as a gluten-free option, giving you all the flavor without any gluten.

Play around with these swaps, keeping your indulgences in check while still enjoying a taste of the season!

Serving Suggestions

Candy Cane Cookies are perfectly complemented by a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert sundae! They also make for fantastic holiday gifts or party favors, delighting friends and family with your sweet gesture. Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or a holiday spice tea for an indulgent treat while cozying up on cold nights.

Common Mistakes

Avoid the pitfalls of cookie making:

Overbaking: Keep a watchful eye on your cookies; remove them as soon as the edges turn golden for a perfect chewy center.
Texture Issues: Make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to a tougher cookie.
Messes: Clean your workspace beforehand and keep flour in small containers to minimize the mess when mixing.

Storing Tips

To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, ensuring your holiday tastes last into the new year! If you decide to freeze them, layer the cookies with parchment paper in an airtight container for easy access and reheat gently in the oven when you crave that fresh-baked nostalgia.

Tempted to Bake Them ASAP?

Don’t wait for the holiday rush to start creating these magical Candy Cane Cookies! Invite your loved ones into the kitchen, embrace the festive spirit, and enjoy the delightful baking journey. These cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a way to bring joy and sweet memories to life during this special season.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it perfect for planning ahead.
How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I use different colors?
Absolutely! Experiment with different food coloring to create your signature candy cane style.
What can I do if I don’t have peppermint extract?
Vanilla extract can suffice, but if you want the peppermint kick, consider using crushed peppermint candies.
How do I ensure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure to chill the dough adequately before baking, as this helps maintain their shape in the oven.

Creating Candy Cane Cookies is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer—so grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s bake something magical!