Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful and festive treat perfect for the holiday season! These cookies not only bring the spirit of Christmas into your home but also offer a fun baking activity for family and friends. With their vibrant red and white colors, these cookies are visually appealing and bursting with peppermint flavor. They’re great for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The candy cane shape and striking colors make them an attractive addition to any holiday dessert table.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of butter and peppermint creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes or tins as thoughtful gifts for friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season.
• Customizable Toppings: Add sprinkles or crushed peppermint to personalize each cookie according to your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these Candy Cane Cookies, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Ruler (optional)

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: A powerful mixer makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together until fluffy, ensuring a light cookie texture.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to separate dry and wet ingredients efficiently without any mess.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These help prevent sticking and ensure that your cookies bake evenly without burning.

Ingredients

This Candy Cane Cookies recipe is a classic Christmas treat! It’s made with a simple cookie dough that’s flavored with peppermint, colored red and white, and twisted into a candy cane shape!

Ingredients:
– 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– Red gel icing color
– Sprinkles or peppermint crunch, optional

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking soda
4. Baking powder
5. Salt

Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
1. 1 cup of unsalted butter
2. 1 cup of granulated sugar

Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add in:
1. 1 egg
2. 1 tsp of vanilla extract
3. 1 tsp of peppermint extract

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture from Step 1 into the creamed mixture. Mix just until combined; avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Divide the dough in half and color one half with red gel icing color to create the signature candy cane look.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate both halves of dough for about 2–3 hours. If desired, roll them into balls (about one teaspoon in size) before refrigerating for easier handling later.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

When you’re ready to bake your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Take one white dough ball and one red dough ball; roll each into a rope approximately five inches long. Place them side by side and gently twist them together to form a candy cane shape.

Step 9: Bake

Place each shaped cookie onto the lined baking sheet, curving part of it to create the hook of the candy cane. If desired, sprinkle some toppings on top before baking for added flavor.

Bake in preheated oven for about 5–7 minutes until just set but not browned.

Step 10: Cool

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Store

Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within four to five days but can be frozen for up to one month if needed.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Serving Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful addition to your holiday gatherings. These cookies not only taste great but also make a festive presentation. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with holiday decorations. Add some greenery or ornaments for an eye-catching display.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair your Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate. The peppermint flavor complements the drink perfectly, creating a cozy experience.

As Party Favors

• Pack individual cookies in clear bags tied with red and white ribbons. These make charming party favors for guests to take home.

Alongside Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream. The cold treat pairs well with the crunchy cookie texture and peppermint taste.

At Cookie Exchanges

• Bring these cookies to cookie exchange events. Their unique shape and flavor will stand out among other treats.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Perfecting your Candy Cane Cookies ensures they come out just right every time. Here are some tips to enhance your baking experience.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for a few hours helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into candy canes.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel coloring gives you vibrant red that won’t alter the dough’s consistency, ensuring beautiful cookies.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as oven settings can vary.
• Cool Before Moving: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage.
• Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary side dishes enhances their festive spirit. Here’s a list of great options.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda with crackers for a savory contrast.
3. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts provides crunch and richness that pairs well with sweet treats.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer small vanilla or chocolate cupcakes topped with peppermint frosting for a cohesive dessert spread.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing dish that complements sweet flavors.
6. Holiday Punch: Serve a non-alcoholic punch made from cranberry juice, ginger ale, and fresh fruits for a festive drink option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill for 2-3 hours for best results.
• Boldly overmixing the dough: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Boldly ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can alter the cookie’s consistency. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Boldly forgetting the sprinkles: Skipping sprinkles or peppermint crunch means missing out on added texture and flavor. Don’t forget to add them before baking!
• Boldly underbaking or overbaking: Baking time is crucial; cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. Check them around 5 minutes before the suggested time.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They stay fresh for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• Properly stored, they can last up to a month in the freezer.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (180°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat for a minute or so, just until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies more festive?

You can enhance their appeal by adding colored sprinkles or using different shapes with your cookie cutters.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla or almond extract for different flavor profiles.

How can I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or swapping out peppermint with seasonal spices like cinnamon.

What is the best way to store Candy Cane Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them to keep them fresh longer.

Can I decorate Candy Cane Cookies after baking?

Yes! You can drizzle melted white chocolate or add more sprinkles on top after they cool completely.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies are not only a delightful treat but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste. With options like different extracts and decorations, you can make these cookies uniquely yours. Try this recipe and enjoy sharing these festive delights during the holiday season!

---