Candy Cane Cookies are the delightful little treats that smell like Christmas morning and taste like a holiday miracle! The sweet, minty aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a winter wonderland. Their beautiful red and white swirls will have your friends and family asking how you became the cookie whisperer.
Picture this: you’re gathered around the tree, hot cocoa in hand, and someone brings out a plate of these festive delights. The first bite is a crisp crunch followed by a chewy center, and that hit of peppermint makes your taste buds dance like sugarplums! These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or simply to brighten up any gloomy day. For more inspiration, check out this festive dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Candy Cane Cookies are incredibly easy to make with minimal fuss for maximum flavor
- They offer a unique flavor profile combining sweetness with refreshing peppermint
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning, perfect for sharing during the holidays
- Great for cookie swaps or as gifts, these cookies are versatile enough to impress anyone
Every time I bake these cookies, my kids turn into little elves, eagerly helping out and making memories that last longer than the cookies themselves.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted to remove lumps ensures smooth dough.
- Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature for easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: For that perfect sweet balance; avoid substitutes for best results.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together; room temperature eggs mix better.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances flavor; skip imitation for richer taste.
- Peppermint Extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their festive flair.
- Red Food Coloring: Brightens up your dough and makes it pop visually!
- Baking Powder: Provides leavening; check expiration date for best rise.
- Candy Canes: Crushed into bits; adds delightful crunch and festive garnish on top.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes—don’t rush it!
Add Sweetness and Flavorings
Beat in powdered sugar until well combined. Add one egg along with vanilla extract and peppermint extract; mix until everything is incorporated smoothly.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients while mixing at low speed. You want to avoid flour clouds here!
Create Two Doughs
Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring until you achieve a vibrant shade of red—this part feels like art class!
Scoop and Roll
Scoop out small balls from each colored dough—about one tablespoon each—and roll them into smooth balls. Now comes the fun part: twist one red ball with one white ball together!
Bake Your Cookies
Place your beautifully twisted cookies on parchment-lined baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Add That Festive Touch
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks. While they’re still warm, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive crunch!
Now step back and admire your work as those Candy Cane Cookies cool down. Your house will smell so good that even Santa might drop by just to get a whiff!
With these delightful treats ready to go, you’ll find yourself wanting to share them—though no one would blame you if you keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell)! Enjoy every minty bite of holiday magic!
You Must Know
- Candy Cane Cookies bring holiday cheer and a delightful crunch
- Their minty flavor and festive colors make them perfect for sharing
- The aroma while baking will have everyone eagerly awaiting their treat!
- Avoid overbaking to ensure they remain soft and chewy
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you cream together butter and sugar. This ensures a smooth batter ready for candy cane magic.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder taste. You could also sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking for extra flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if you like them warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading
- Use fresh ingredients like real butter for richer flavor
- Don’t skip the crushed candy canes; they add delightful crunch and festive flair
Baking these cookies reminds me of the time my niece declared them “the best cookies ever,” which made my day! Her eyes lit up as she devoured them, leaving no crumb behind.
FAQ
Can I use different extracts in Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can substitute mint with vanilla or almond extract for unique flavors.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape during baking.
What can I do with leftover crushed candy canes?
Sprinkle them on other desserts like ice cream or use them as a garnish for hot cocoa. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect festive treat that brings a delightful mix of sweetness and minty freshness to your holiday celebrations. With their vibrant red and white swirls, these cookies not only look stunning but also deliver a satisfying crunch followed by a chewy center. Ideal for cookie swaps, gatherings, or cozy nights in, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Beat in powdered sugar, then add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add to wet ingredients on low speed.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls from each dough and twist them together.
- Place on parchment-lined sheets two inches apart; bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
- While warm, sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg