The holiday season is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to bring festive cheer into your home than with Candy Cane Cookies. These colorful, peppermint-flavored cookies are a holiday classic that delights both young and old. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas party, baking gifts for friends and family, or simply enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this Candy Cane Cookies recipe is a must-try.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Candy Cane Cookies. From gathering ingredients to baking tips, health benefits, and FAQs, this post will ensure your cookies come out picture-perfect and delicious every time.
What Are Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies are a type of butter cookie that combines the festive red and white colors associated with Christmas. Twisted into the shape of a traditional candy cane, these cookies are infused with peppermint extract, giving them a refreshing yet sweet flavor. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also melt in your mouth, making them a hit at any holiday gathering.
Why Candy Cane Cookies Are Perfect for the Holidays
Candy Cane Cookies have become a symbol of the holidays, thanks to their playful appearance and their connection to the iconic candy cane. Here’s why they’re perfect for your holiday celebrations:
- Visually appealing: These cookies are shaped like candy canes, adding a festive touch to any dessert table.
- Family-friendly: A great recipe to make with kids! The process of rolling and twisting the dough is fun for all ages.
- Versatile gift: Pack them in holiday-themed cookie boxes for a sweet homemade gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Candy Cane Cookies
Before diving into the directions, make sure to gather the following ingredients. Having everything prepped in advance will make your baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, ensuring they’re light and soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened: For a rich, buttery base that creates a tender cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adds moisture for a smooth dough.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Gives the cookies their signature minty flavor.
- Red food coloring: For that iconic candy cane twist.
For Decoration
- Sanding sugar: Adds a sparkly, festive finish to your cookies.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed guide to making these festive cookies. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of Candy Cane Cookies that are sure to impress!
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. This step ensures that your cookies will have the perfect texture—soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness.
Add the egg, milk, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until the dough forms.
Step 2: Divide and Color the Dough
Once the dough is prepared, divide it in half. Leave one half plain, and to the other half, add red food coloring. Mix until the dough has a vibrant red hue. Wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Take small portions of each dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into 6-inch ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together, and then bend the top to form a candy cane shape.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a festive touch.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Refrigerate the shaped cookies for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes and Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
Want to take your Candy Cane Cookies to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Twisting the dough: If the dough becomes too soft to work with, pop it back into the fridge for 10 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.
- Even ropes: Make sure both the red and white dough ropes are the same thickness for even baking and a perfect candy cane shape.
- Customization: If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can experiment with other flavors like almond or vanilla for a fun twist.
Nutritional Information & Health Benefits of Candy Cane Cookies
While cookies are often seen as indulgent treats, there are a few benefits to be found in moderation. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information and some potential benefits.
Nutrition Details (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 150 IU
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Health Benefits
- Peppermint extract: Known for its ability to aid digestion and provide a refreshing flavor, peppermint also has antimicrobial properties.
- Butter: Provides a source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision and a healthy immune system.
- Controlled portion sizes: By limiting your intake to a few cookies, you can still enjoy the sweetness of the holiday season without overindulging.
FAQs About Candy Cane Cookies
Yes, Candy Cane Cookies freeze well! Once baked and cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
To make gluten-free Candy Cane Cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture and binding.
Absolutely! While peppermint extract is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like almond, vanilla, or even orange extract for a unique twist.
Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the unbaked dough for up to 3 months and bake when ready.
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for spreading cheer and delighting your loved ones. With their eye-catching candy cane shape and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies are bound to become a holiday tradition in your home. Follow this simple recipe, and don’t forget to have fun with the process—baking is a wonderful way to create memories during the festive season. Happy baking!
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Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies are festive, peppermint-flavored treats with a vibrant red-and-white twist, perfect for holiday gatherings. Their delicate texture and sweet, minty taste make them an irresistible seasonal favorite.
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 hours 22 minutes 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Set this bowl aside for later use.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is creamy. This step is key, as it helps ensure that your cookies will be perfectly soft and chewy. Once it’s smooth, add 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Beat until everything is combined.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Beat until the dough comes together and is fully mixed.
- Divide the dough: Now, split the dough into two equal parts. Wrap one part in plastic wrap, forming it into a disk. To the other half, add several drops of red food coloring, and beat it until you achieve a festive red hue. Wrap this dough as well, and refrigerate both disks for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
- Shape the cookies: After chilling, divide each dough disk into 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch long rope. Twist one red rope and one white rope together and bend the top to form a candy cane shape. Place the twisted ropes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the cookies in the fridge for another 30 minutes to firm up before baking. Then, bake for 10-12 minutes or until set and the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough is essential for keeping the shapes intact while baking. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference!
- When adding the red food coloring, remember, a little goes a long way. Add it gradually until you reach the desired color.
- For a crispier cookie, bake them slightly longer, but be careful not to let them overbake.
- If you’re in a rush, you can refrigerate the dough for just 1 hour, but the longer chill time helps enhance flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: 24 cookies
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peppermint cookies, Christmas cookies, Holiday cookie recipes, Twisted candy cane cookies