As I unwrapped a fresh candy cane this winter, memories of festive baking came rushing back—bonding with loved ones over the warm aroma of freshly baked treats. That’s when I knew I had to recreate that joy with my Candy Cane Cookies! This delightful recipe blends the nostalgic flavors of peppermint and vanilla into a holiday treat that's not only fun to make but also a crowd-pleaser. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that will charm family and friends alike, perfect for cookie exchanges or cozy evenings at home. With a simple setup and minimal fuss, these cookies bring the spirit of the season right to your kitchen. Are you ready to twist some dough and create a sweet masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds?
Why Make Candy Cane Cookies?
Festive Appeal: These Candy Cane Cookies will transform your holiday gatherings with their delightful, festive shapes and bright colors.
Light and Fluffy: The combination of butter and powdered sugar creates a remarkably soft texture that melts in your mouth.
Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch ready for enjoy, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute parties.
Family Fun: Get everyone involved in the process—from rolling dough to shaping canes—this recipe is a great excuse to create joy and memories together.
Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your twist with different extracts or toppings. These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious!
Try them alongside other festive treats, or check out my Peppermint Bark for another sweet addition to your holiday spread!
Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Unsalted butter – use softened butter for that perfect creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar – ensures a smooth and fluffy dough with just the right sweetness.
- Large egg – room temperature eggs blend better, helping the dough rise nicely.
- Vanilla extract – adds a warm, comforting flavor that beautifully complements peppermint.
- Peppermint extract – this is the essential ingredient that brings those nostalgic holiday vibes.
- All-purpose flour – gives structure to your cookies; sifting it helps prevent clumps.
- Salt – a pinch enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
For the Decoration
- Red food coloring – opt for gel for vibrant colors without altering the dough's texture.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring they're ready for the delicious Candy Cane Cookies. This step sets the groundwork for perfectly baked cookies that won't stick!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration process will create a heavenly texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy. The delightful holiday aroma will start to fill your kitchen, setting you in the mood for baking.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in 2½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until a soft dough forms that is not overly sticky. You want it to be smooth and slightly tacky, which is the perfect consistency for shaping those festive Candy Cane Cookies.
Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half, placing one half in a separate bowl. Add red food coloring to the other half, kneading it until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough. This vibrant contrast will make your Candy Cane Cookies visually appealing and festive.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Take about 1 teaspoon of each colored dough and roll into 4-inch ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together, bending them into a candy cane shape. Place each shaped cookie on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Once your baking sheets are loaded with the beautifully twisted Candy Cane Cookies, slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect golden finish without over-baking.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack, where they can cool completely. The delicious Candy Cane Cookies are now ready for sharing, or to enjoy on your own!
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and butter to room temperature for better mixing, ensuring a smooth and fluffy dough that bakes evenly.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the flour, mix until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft and tender Candy Cane Cookies.
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Be Mindful of Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Once the bottoms start to turn lightly golden, remove them to prevent over-baking, which can dry them out.
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Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to shape, chilling it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes can make it easier to handle without sticking.
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Experiment with Flavoring: Feel free to swap the peppermint extract with other flavors like almond or orange for a delightful twist on these festive cookies!
Candy Cane Cookies Variations
Feel free to sprinkle some creativity on your Candy Cane Cookies, taking them to new flavor heights and delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe friendly for everyone. Every bite will still bring joy!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over cooled cookies for a deliciously rich contrast to the peppermint. The combination of flavors will be irresistible!
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Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for an added layer of texture and flavor. The crunch pairs beautifully with the soft cookie.
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Seasonal Spices: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor that complements the peppermint and evokes holiday cheer.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle some festive colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles over the shaped cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and fun.
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Minty Layer: For an even more intense peppermint flavor, swap regular peppermint extract for an infused mint oil or use crushed candy canes as a topping post-bake.
Try pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or my delectable Peppermint Bark to create a cozy holiday gathering. Each bite is bound to evoke the spirit of the season!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Cookies
Embrace the cozy spirit of the holidays by pairing these sweet treats with delightful accompaniments that enhance their festive charm.
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Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate provides a warm, indulgent drink that balances the crispness of the cookies. It's a perfect cozy companion!
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Peppermint Bark: Elevate your dessert table with crunchy chocolate and peppermint bark. The flavor echoes the cookies, creating a harmonious treat trio.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool and creamy texture of vanilla ice cream perfectly contrasts the sweet, holiday flavors of Candy Cane Cookies, making every bite irresistible.
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Sugar Snap Peas: For a fresh crunch, serve sugar snap peas on the side. Their natural sweetness and crispness add a vibrant color and flavor contrast.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea pairs beautifully, enhancing the peppermint flavor while offering a delightful warming experience.
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Candied Fruit: A colorful assortment of candied fruits adds both sweetness and festive flair on your dessert platter, complementing the cookies’ sugary notes.
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Red Berry Salad: A refreshing salad of mixed berries drizzled with honey brightens the palate, balancing the sweetness and showcasing fresh seasonal flavors.
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Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Crunchy pretzels dipped in chocolate add a fun texture and salty contrast, making for a playful snack alongside your Candy Cane Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay fresh and delicious.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough in a tightly wrapped roll for up to 3 months. Just slice and bake directly from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy!
Reheating: If enjoying cookies from the fridge or freezer, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes to refresh their texture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of shaping the cookies, and then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap before refrigerating. When you're ready to bake, you can shape the cookies and bake them directly from the fridge—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they're baked to perfection. This method helps maintain their freshness and flavor, ensuring they taste just as delicious as if they were freshly made!
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use unsalted butter that is completely softened to room temperature—it should yield easily when pressed. Room temperature eggs are crucial as they mix more evenly into the dough. Additionally, for the powdered sugar, opt for freshly opened packaging to ensure maximum fluffiness while creaming with butter.
How should I store my Candy Cane Cookies?
Very good question! To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like them to last longer, place the container in the refrigerator, where they can maintain their deliciousness for an entire week! Just allow them to return to room temperature before indulging.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the unbaked dough, form it into a tightly wrapped roll using plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it, slice into pieces, and bake directly from frozen; you might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months as well. Just thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven to refresh their delicious texture.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough ends up too sticky to shape, no worries! Simply sprinkle a bit more flour on the countertop and knead it into the dough gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. If it’s really warm in your kitchen, you can chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape into those adorable candy cane forms.
Are Candy Cane Cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
These festive cookies are not suitable for pets as they contain sugar, butter, and flavorings that can upset their stomachs. If you're baking for someone with allergies, make sure to inform them about the ingredients, especially regarding the gluten in all-purpose flour or any specifics like nut allergies if substituting with flavored extracts. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free!
Deliciously Festive Candy Cane Cookies for Your Holiday Cravings
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 large Egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon Peppermint extract
- 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon Salt
For the Decoration
- 1 teaspoon Red food coloring gel preferred
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Mix in the large room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half, adding red food coloring to one half and knead until evenly distributed.
- Roll about 1 teaspoon of each colored dough into 4-inch ropes and twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden, then cool on the pan for 5 minutes.
