Candy cane cookies are the delightful little morsels that make the holiday season feel like a sweet embrace. Imagine biting into a freshly baked cookie that’s soft, buttery, and studded with crushed candy canes, releasing a burst of festive peppermint flavor that dances through your senses. The aroma wafting from the oven will have you feeling like Santa himself is peeking in to see what you’re up to!
These cookies bring back memories of decorating the Christmas tree while snacking on treats that made my taste buds sing. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or just when you need a little something sweet to brighten your day. Trust me; your friends and family will be begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These candy cane cookies are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any baking novice.
- Their delightful peppermint flavor offers a festive twist that everyone will adore.
- With their vibrant colors and crunchy candy cane topping, they are visually stunning on any dessert table.
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed during the holidays or as a fun year-round treat.
Ingredients for candy cane cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: About 2 cups of flour will provide the right structure for our cookies without making them too dense.
- Granulated Sugar: Half a cup adds sweetness and helps create that perfect chewy texture we all love.
- Butter: One cup of unsalted butter gives richness and creaminess; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Egg: Use one large egg to help bind everything together while adding moisture.
- Baking Powder: Just one teaspoon acts as our leavening agent, ensuring fluffy cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon enhances the overall flavor profile with warm notes that complement the peppermint.
- Peppermint Extract: A teaspoon adds that signature candy cane flavor—just don’t overdo it unless you want to turn your taste buds into icicles!
- Candy Canes: Crush about half a cup of candy canes; these not only add flavor but also make our cookies look festive!
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). This ensures our cookies bake evenly and become beautifully golden.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer here if you want to save some elbow grease!
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Crack in the egg and mix well. Then add vanilla extract and peppermint extract, blending until fully incorporated—it should smell like a winter wonderland!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Candy Canes
Gently fold in those crushed candy canes—this is where you get that delightful crunch!
Step 6: Bake Your Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Let cool before devouring—if you can wait!
Transfer to plates and enjoy these festive treats with friends or family while sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace!
You Must Know
- Candy cane cookies are the festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering.
- With their bright colors and minty flavor, they add a cheerful touch to cookie platters.
- Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming together butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually mix in the egg and peppermint extract. Next, combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl before folding them into the wet mixture. This ensures a smooth dough that bakes evenly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for almond or vanilla for a different flavor twist. You can also add crushed nuts or chocolate chips to the dough, creating your unique take on candy cane cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store your candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm later, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid flat cookies, ensure you chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Using parchment paper on your baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze.
- Finally, don’t skimp on crushing those candy canes; bigger pieces add extra crunch and flavor!
I remember the first time I made candy cane cookies for a holiday party; my friends devoured them faster than I could keep up with refilling the platter! It was a sweet success that warmed my heart.
FAQs:
What are candy cane cookies?
Candy cane cookies are festive, sweet treats that capture the essence of the holiday season. These cookies typically feature a delightful peppermint flavor and are often decorated with crushed candy canes. They come in fun shapes, mimicking the iconic candy canes we see during Christmas. The combination of buttery cookie dough with minty goodness makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. You can serve these cookies at holiday parties or gift them to friends and family for a cheerful surprise.
How do you make candy cane cookies from scratch?
To make candy cane cookies from scratch, start by creaming together butter and sugar. Then, mix in eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, and crushed candy canes until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions—one flavored with peppermint extract—and shape them into ropes. Twist the ropes together to form a candy cane shape before baking. This simple process yields delicious results that enhance your holiday celebrations.
Can I use chocolate in my candy cane cookies?
Yes, incorporating chocolate into your candy cane cookies can add a delightful twist! You can mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cookies for an extra layer of flavor. Dark or white chocolate pairs well with the peppermint taste, creating a perfect balance of sweet and minty. This adaptation offers a creative way to enjoy these festive treats while appealing to chocolate lovers during the holiday season.
How should I store leftover candy cane cookies?
To keep your leftover candy cane cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prolong their freshness, you can also freeze them. Just place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature and savor the delightful flavors once more.
Conclusion for candy cane cookies:
In summary, candy cane cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. Their sweet peppermint flavor combined with festive decorations makes them irresistible. Making these treats from scratch is simple and enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels. Mixing in chocolate adds an exciting twist if you’re looking for something different. Remember to store any leftovers properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Enjoy making these charming cookies this holiday season!
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 festive flavors of soft, buttery candy cane cookies, enhanced with crushed candy canes for a delightful peppermint treat perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the crushed candy canes.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are slightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Array
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