You’re wrapping up your holiday baking, but there’s one sweet treat you can’t skip: candy cane cookies. Last year, your niece devoured them at the family gathering in seconds – and she’s already requesting them again.
You, too, love how their peppermint flavor and crunchy candy cane bits evoke the holiday spirit. But what makes the perfect candy cane cookie?
Is it using crushed candy canes versus peppermint extract or a combination? Let’s get started, and by the end, you’ll have a foolproof recipe to impress your friends and family.
Baking Candy Cane Cookies
As you step into the kitchen to start baking candy cane cookies, the aroma of peppermint and sweet vanilla instantly fills the air, transporting you to a festive holiday wonderland.
You can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia as you begin to mix and measure the ingredients.
The combination of crushed candy canes and peppermint extract gives these cookies a unique flavor that will become a new family tradition.
As you cream the butter and sugar, the mixture transforms into a fluffy, sweet delight. Adding eggs and vanilla extract enhances the flavor, while flour provides structure and texture.
The dough is easy to work with, and the twisted candy cane design adds a playful touch.
The result is a deliciously sweet and crunchy cookie for dunking in milk or enjoying alone.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
You’re about to dive into the world of candy cane cookies, and it all starts with the right ingredients and tools. To make these festive treats, you’ll need a few essentials like high-quality shortening, butter, confectioners’ sugar, eggs, and extracts.
Don’t skimp on the good stuff—it makes a difference in the flavor and texture. You’ll also need essential baking tools like a mixer, baking sheets, and a wire rack.
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—the ingredients that give candy cane cookies their signature flavor and look. You’ll need peppermint extract, red food coloring, and crushed candy canes for the topping.
If you want to get creative, try using different extracts or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Whatever you choose, ensure you have all the ingredients and tools ready to go before mixing and baking.
Trust me, it’s worth the extra prep time to get these cookies just right. With the right ingredients and tools, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious candy cane cookies that’ll be the star of your holiday cookie platter.
Candy Cane Cookies: The Best Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 egg
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red food color
- 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, butter, milk, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and an egg. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt to form the dough. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Add food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored. Cover both portions and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
Step 2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the crushed peppermint candy with 2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside.
Step 4
To shape each candy cane, take 1 rounded teaspoon of plain dough and 1 teaspoon of colored dough. Roll each into a 4-inch rope on a floured surface. Place the red and white ropes side by side, gently pressing them together, and twist them to form a spiral. Place the twisted dough on an ungreased cookie sheet, curving the top to create the handle of a candy cane.
Step 5
Bake the cookies for 9 to 12 minutes until set and lightly browned. Immediately sprinkle the candy and sugar mixture over the hot cookies. Transfer them from the cookie sheet to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.
Decorating and Storage Tips
The fun part is decorating and storing your freshly baked candy cane cookies! Now that you’ve baked these sweet treats, it’s time to add some festive flair. Dust them with crushed candy canes or sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday cheer.
Try drizzling melted white chocolate or piping on red and green icing stripes if you’re fancy.
You have a few options for storing your candy cane cookies. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you want to keep them fresher for longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or briefly microwave to refresh. Whichever storage method you choose, your candy cane cookies will surely be a hit at your holiday gathering.
Variations and Nutrition Facts
Who says candy cane cookies have to be traditional? You can mix things up and make them your own! Want to try a different garnish? Go for it! Festive Christmas sprinkles or edible glitter can add a fun twist.
You can even experiment with different extracts, like almond or lemon, to give your cookies a unique flavor.
Are you feeling adventurous? Try changing up the dough colors or shapes. You can create a rainbow effect or make fun shapes like stars or trees. The possibilities are endless!
And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone if you sneak a few extra cookies – they’re only 86 calories each, after all.
Regarding nutrition facts, here’s the lowdown: each cookie has 4g of total fat, 2g of saturated fat, 9mg of cholesterol, and 48mg of sodium.
They’re not the healthiest treat, but hey, it’s Christmas! Indulge a little. You can always balance it out with some healthier options later.
Conclusion
You’ve made it to the sweetest part – enjoying freshly baked candy cane cookies!
As you take a bite, the crunch of peppermint and chew of sugar dissolves into a fluffy cloud of buttery goodness. Your taste buds are transported to a winter wonderland, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive cheer.
Store them in an airtight container or freeze them for later, but be warned: these treats are irresistible, and you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
You may also like:
15 Quick and Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats
Top Healthy Christmas Desserts Perfect for Holiday Feasts
Healthy Christmas Recipes 2024: 25 Festive & Nutritious Ideas
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