In a world where cookie jars overflow with flavor, the Candy Cane Cookie whirls in like a festive whirlwind, sweeping you off your feet and landing you straight into a holiday wonderland. Imagine snowy streets, twinkling lights, and a fresh peppermint breeze filling the air — that’s the magic captured in each of these vibrant, striped delights.
Why make this recipe?
Because, dear adventurers, these aren’t just cookies; they’re your passport to joy! With a whimsical combination of minty freshness and buttery sweetness, Candy Cane Cookies bring the holiday spirit to life in your kitchen. Whether as a treat for yourself or a gift wrapped with love, these cookies create a cozy atmosphere that almost requires you to wear fuzzy socks and sip hot cocoa, all while dancing to your favorite holiday tunes.
How to make Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips (for drizzling)
Directions:
- Start this sweet adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let the magic begin!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy — use a mixer, a spoon, or even a sassy flourish with your hand; just get that airy texture.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir it up with all your flair!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mix into the wet concoction, creating a dough that’s begging to be shaped.
- Take half of the dough and blend in red food coloring until you achieve a lovely, candy-cane red. The other half, leave as is.
- Split each of the dough portions into small pieces. Roll them out into skinny, snake-like forms, and twist one red and one white dough piece together to create your iconic candy cane shape.
- Place your creations on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just a whisper of golden brown.
- Once cooled, drizzle the white chocolate over your cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. The more sparkle, the better!
How to serve Candy Cane Cookies
Channel your inner festive spirit! Serve on a bright red platter for a showstopping holiday treat or package a few in a clear bag with a ribbon for a delightful homemade gift. Either way, don’t forget the holiday music and warm drinks; they’re the essential accompaniments to this sweet journey.
How to store Candy Cane Cookies
These beauties can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week — if they last that long! If you want to stretch the joy of these cookies even further, pop them in the freezer. They’ll keep their flavor and freshness for up to three months, ready to charm whenever you need a merry little pick-me-up.
Tips to make Candy Cane Cookies
- Smash those candy canes just enough to achieve a mix of fine powder and bigger chunks; this adds a delightful crunch!
- Want extra holiday flair? Toss in some mini chocolate chips for a mocha twist or sprinkle with edible glitter for that extra sparkle.
- Enjoy a little dough tasting? Make sure to keep an eye on how much you nibble — you’ll want a few extra cookies for the cookie jar!
Variations
- For a chocolatey variation, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to create Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies.
- Feeling adventurous? Add a dash of espresso to the dough for a delightful coffee twist that pairs perfectly with hot chocolate.
FAQs
How can I make these cookies more minty?
You can adjust the peppermint flavor by adding more crushed candy canes or a few extra drops of peppermint extract. Just remember, taste test as you go!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Dust a little flour on your hands and work surface while shaping the cookies. If you find the dough still won’t cooperate, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm it up — an easy fix!
So what are you waiting for? Put on your holiday playlist, roll up those sleeves, and embark on a tasty quest to create Candy Cane Cookies that’ll surely tickle your taste buds and warm your heart. Adventure awaits, one delightful cookie at a time!
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it is light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture to create the dough.
- Divide the dough in half and mix red food coloring into one half.
- Roll out small pieces of each colored dough into skinny forms and twist together to shape candy canes.
- Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until light golden brown.
- Once cooled, drizzle white chocolate over cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.