Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe brings festive cheer to your holiday gatherings. With their striking red and white swirl, these cookies are not only beautiful but also deliciously flavored with vanilla and peppermint. Perfect for Christmas parties or as a homemade gift, they stand out with their unique taste and appealing look. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful treats that will surely impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The vibrant red and white swirls make these cookies a stunning addition to any holiday platter.
• Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of vanilla and peppermint offers a refreshing taste that embodies the spirit of the season.
• Easy Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in shaping these cookies; it’s a fun activity that brings everyone together.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Candy Cane Cookies, gather your essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: Using either prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, promoting even baking.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking; having good-quality measuring cups ensures consistency in your cookies.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.

For the Cookies

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of red food coloring

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
2. Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Reduce the mixer speed and add flour and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough in half.
2. In the stand mixer, combine one half of the cookie dough with red food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Shape each color of dough into discs.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour or overnight.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Once dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

1. Measure one tablespoon of each color dough.
2. Gently roll each tablespoon into logs about 6 inches long.
3. Twist both colors together to form candy cane shapes.
4. Place on parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheets.

Step 7: Chill Again Before Baking

Chill shaped cookie dough for an additional 15 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are a very light golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Glaze

While cookies bake, prepare your peppermint glaze by combining powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth.

Step 10: Finish Cookies

Spoon glaze over cooled cookies after they have slightly cooled on a wire rack.

Now you can enjoy these delightful Candy Cane Cookies that are perfect for sharing during this joyful season!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are not just delicious; they also bring a festive touch to any gathering. Here are some fun ways to serve these delightful treats.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair your Candy Cane Cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat that everyone will love.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in festive cellophane and tie them with a ribbon. These make charming holiday party favors!

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative dessert platter alongside other holiday sweets for an appealing display.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

As a Gift

• Package your cookies in a pretty tin or box to share with friends and family. A homemade gift is always appreciated during the holidays.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your Candy Cane Cookies can elevate their taste and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Ensure the dough is properly chilled before shaping. This helps maintain the cookie’s shape while baking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh butter and extracts to enhance the flavor of your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Accurately: Use proper measuring techniques, especially for flour, to achieve the right cookie texture.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden at the bottom but still soft on top.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow cookies to cool before adding glaze to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes, perfect alongside your cookies.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses with nuts and dried fruits for guests who enjoy savory bites alongside sweets.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip their cookies or fruits in warm chocolate.
5. Spiced Nuts: Serve spiced nuts as a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of Candy Cane Cookies.
6. Christmas Punch: A festive drink like cranberry or pomegranate punch enhances the holiday spirit and pairs well with sweets.
7. Yule Log Cake: This traditional cake makes an impressive dessert that complements the flavors of peppermint beautifully.
8. Gingerbread Men: Classic gingerbread adds another layer of flavor while sticking to the holiday theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness. Cold butter leads to dense cookies.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t rush the refrigeration process. Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and keeps the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring techniques. Too much flour or sugar can alter the texture and flavor of your Candy Cane Cookies.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. Overbaking can make them dry; look for a light golden brown color on the bottoms.
• Ignoring frosting consistency: Ensure your glaze is not too thick or too runny. A well-balanced glaze enhances the cookie without overwhelming it.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds. Watch carefully to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place them in a skillet on low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Cookies.

What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?

Candy Cane Cookies are unique due to their delightful peppermint flavor and festive appearance, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use different extracts?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon if you want to change the flavor profile of your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

How do I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or crushed candy canes into the dough for added texture and flavor.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can substitute margarine, it may affect the taste and texture of your Candy Cane Cookies, so use it cautiously.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe offers a wonderful blend of festive flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia during holiday seasons. Whether you enjoy them as is or customize them with additional flavors, these cookies are sure to delight friends and family alike. Give this recipe a try and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!