Candy cane cookies are the delightful holiday treat that jingles your taste buds and whispers sweet nothings to your senses. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s infused with the refreshing essence of peppermint, topped with a sprinkle of crushed candy canes that add a dazzling crunch. These cookies don’t just taste festive; they look like tiny works of art on your dessert table, bringing joy and cheer to any gathering.
Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a candy-cane wonderland, filled with laughter and the scent of sweet mint wafting through the air. I can still picture my younger self, apron-clad and covered in flour, as I attempted to help my grandmother whip up her famous candy cane cookies. The thrill of rolling out the dough and watching those vibrant stripes come to life was nothing short of magical. Now, these delightful morsels have become my go-to treat for holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or when I simply want to indulge in a little seasonal cheer!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These candy cane cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- With their refreshing peppermint flavor and delightful crunch from the candy canes, they’re sure to impress your guests.
- The striking red and white appearance makes them visually appealing on any dessert table.
- Versatile enough for Christmas parties or as gifts, they’re bound to spread joy wherever they go!
Ingredients for candy cane cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for giving structure to your cookies; sifted flour helps achieve a lighter texture.
- Baking Powder: A key leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise beautifully while remaining soft.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing; it provides richness and depth of flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness while also contributing to the cookie’s crunchy exterior.
- Brown Sugar: This brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Eggs: One large egg binds the ingredients together while adding moisture for chewy goodness.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor profile and complements the peppermint nicely.
- Peppermint Extract: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their signature minty flavor—don’t skimp on it!
- Candy Canes: Crushed into bits for a festive touch; they add both flavor and visual appeal.
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
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick—nobody wants a broken cookie!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening power throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. It’s like giving your ingredients a spa day—they’ll be so happy!
Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Extracts
Add in one egg at a time along with vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Beat until fully incorporated—let those flavors meld like best friends at a holiday party.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix—remember, we want tender cookies here!
Step 6: Fold in Candy Cane Pieces
Gently fold in crushed candy canes into the dough. The sight alone will make you think you’ve just discovered treasure!
Transfer spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks.
Serve warm with hot cocoa or package them up as thoughtful gifts—either way, these candy cane cookies will leave everyone singing carols around the kitchen!
You Must Know
- Candy cane cookies bring holiday cheer with their festive colors and delightful peppermint flavor.
- These adorable treats are perfect for gifting or enjoying with a hot cocoa by the fire.
- Plus, they add a splash of fun and creativity to your holiday baking traditions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the dough while the oven warms up, then shape your candy cane cookies. Bake them for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack before drizzling with icing for that extra festive flair.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor. Add crushed nuts or chocolate chips into the dough for extra texture. You can even tint the icing in various colors to match different holiday themes!
Storing & Reheating
Store your candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, briefly warm in the microwave for 5-10 seconds, ensuring they stay soft and chewy without losing that delightful flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and fluffier cookies.
- Avoid overbaking; they should be soft when you take them out of the oven.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the icing before it sets.
Baking these candy cane cookies always takes me back to my childhood kitchen, where flour dusted every surface and laughter filled the air as we decorated each cookie with colorful icing and sprinkles.
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for candy cane cookies?
To make delicious candy cane cookies, you will need flour, sugar, butter, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, eggs, and baking powder. Additionally, crushed candy canes are essential for the festive touch. You can also use red and white food coloring to create the iconic striped look. These simple ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift.
How can I ensure my candy cane cookies turn out soft?
To achieve soft candy cane cookies, make sure not to overmix the dough once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Also, consider slightly underbaking them; they will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet. Keeping an eye on the baking time is crucial for soft cookies. Using room temperature butter can also help in creating that tender texture.
Can I freeze candy cane cookies?
Yes, you can freeze candy cane cookies! To do this, ensure they are completely cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
What variations can I try with candy cane cookies?
You can get creative with your candy cane cookies by adding different extracts like almond or using chocolate chips instead of crushed candy canes. For a fun twist, try dipping half of each cookie in melted chocolate before sprinkling with additional crushed candy canes. You could also experiment with other festive toppings like colored sprinkles or even drizzle some icing on top for added sweetness.
Conclusion for candy cane cookies:
In summary, candy cane cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these festive delights at home. Remember to watch your baking time closely to ensure soft and chewy results. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared as gifts, these cookies are sure to spread joy during the holidays. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the sweet flavors of Christmas!
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
Enjoy the cheerful taste of holiday magic with these soft, chewy candy cane cookies, infused with refreshing peppermint and topped with crunchy crushed candy canes.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in Eggs and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in Candy Cane Pieces: Gently fold in crushed candy canes.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: - For a milder flavor, consider reducing peppermint extract or substituting it with vanilla. - Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. - Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week; warm briefly in the microwave for freshness.
Leave a Comment