Create Irresistible Candy Cane Cookies for the Holidays!

Nothing captures the spirit of the holiday season quite like a batch of homemade Candy Cane Cookies. These classic treats, with their signature swirled red-and-white design and peppermint-infused flavor, are a must-have for any festive cookie platter. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or gifting them to friends, these whimsical Candy Cane Cookies are sure to delight all who indulge.

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Ingredients for Delightful Candy Cane Cookies

To create these festive Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Red food coloring (gel preferred)

The softened butter and powdered sugar create a delightfully tender and crumbly cookie base, while the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts lend that classic holiday flavor. All-purpose flour and a pinch of salt help bind the dough together, and the vibrant red food coloring is the secret to achieving those stunning candy cane swirls.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies

Ready to bring the magic of Candy Cane Cookies to life? Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg & Extracts: Crack in the egg, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts until smooth.
4. Blend Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix flour and salt into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide & Color: Split the dough into two equal parts. Add red gel food coloring to one half and knead until evenly colored.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll out teaspoon-sized pieces of each colored dough into ~4-inch ropes. Twist one red and one plain rope together, then curve into a candy cane shape.
7. Bake: Place shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets 1-2 inches apart. Bake 8–10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
8. Cool & Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Perfecting Candy Cane Cookies

To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Butter Temperature: Using softened, room-temperature butter is crucial for achieving the optimal texture.
• Egg Temperature: Letting the egg come to room temperature before adding it to the dough helps it incorporate more easily.
• Kneading the Dough: Be gentle when kneading the red-colored dough to avoid overworking the gluten, which can lead to tough cookies.
• Shaping the Cookies: Rolling the dough into long, thin ropes and twisting them together helps maintain the candy cane shape during baking.
• Storage: Store the cooled Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Variations and Creative Twists

While the traditional Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday classic, you can get creative with different flavors and add-ins to put your own unique spin on this festive treat:

• Almond Extract: Substitute almond extract for the peppermint to create a nutty, amaretto-like flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or white chocolate chips for an extra burst of chocolatey goodness.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking for a double dose of peppermint.
• Gluten-Free or Vegan: Use gluten-free flour blends or vegan butter and egg replacers to accommodate dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These whimsical Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect sweet companion to a warm mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. They also make a wonderful homemade gift, especially when packaged in festive tins or cellophane bags. For a showstopping holiday dessert platter, consider pairing the Candy Cane Cookies with other seasonal favorites like gingerbread, sugar cookies, or peppermint bark.

FAQs About Candy Cane Cookies

How can I make Candy Cane Cookies without using traditional food coloring?

If you prefer to avoid traditional food coloring, you can use natural alternatives to achieve a similar effect. Beet juice, for example, can provide a soft pink color. Alternatively, you can incorporate crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries for a light red hue. Just be mindful that natural colorings may not yield the same vibrant results as synthetic dyes, but they can add a unique flavor and a more natural aspect to your cookies.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies without peppermint extract?

Yes, if you prefer not to use peppermint extract, there are several alternatives you can consider. You could replace it with another flavoring, such as almond extract for a nutty twist or vanilla extract for a classic taste. Additionally, you could add finely grated citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to give a refreshing citrus flavor. Just remember that these substitutions will alter the traditional taste of Candy Cane Cookies, so choose based on your preference.

What can I do if my Candy Cane Cookie dough is too sticky?

If your Candy Cane Cookie dough is too sticky to handle, there are a few simple solutions. First, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as this can affect the texture of the cookies. If the dough is sticky due to warmth, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to roll and shape.

How can I enhance the flavor of Candy Cane Cookies?

To enhance the flavor of your Candy Cane Cookies, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the dough to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with different extracts, such as a combination of vanilla and peppermint for depth. Incorporating crushed candy canes or chocolate chips into the dough can provide added texture and flavor bursts. Finally, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate on top after baking can elevate both the taste and presentation of your cookies.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat using similar flavors.
• Sugar Cookies: Versatile cookies that can be decorated for any occasion.
• Gingerbread Men: Spiced cookies that complement the holiday theme.
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies: Rich chocolate cookies that add variety to the cookie platter.

So, why not indulge in the festive charm of Candy Cane Cookies this holiday season? With their irresistible peppermint flavor and striking red-and-white appearance, these cookies are sure to spread cheer and delight to all who taste them. Happy baking!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

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