Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that bring festive cheer to any gathering! These cookies combine the classic flavors of peppermint with a fun candy cane shape, making them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with family. With their vibrant red and white swirls and sweet taste, they are sure to become a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Candy Cane Cookies recipe features straightforward steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Appearance: The striking red and white colors mimic traditional candy canes, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday treats.
• Delicious Flavor: Infused with peppermint extract, these cookies deliver a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, or simply a sweet addition to your dessert table.
• Kid-Friendly Activity: Involving children in the twisting and shaping process makes baking these cookies a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures efficiency and better results in baking.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients for a fluffy cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.

Ingredients

This Candy Cane Cookies recipe is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home!

• 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: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Combine the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixer bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light in color and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together; be careful not to over mix.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Divide the cookie dough into two halves. Color one half with red gel icing color until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate both halves of cookie dough for about 2–3 hours. For easier handling, consider rolling small balls of dough (about one teaspoon each) before chilling.

Step 7: Preheat Oven

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

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Roll each ball of dough into a rope about five inches long. Place one white rope next to one red rope and gently twist them together before curving it into a candy cane shape on the lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Add Toppings

If desired, press sprinkles or peppermint crunch onto the front of each cookie for an extra festive touch.

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 5–7 minutes until just set but still soft.

Step 11: Cool Down

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

Step 12: Store

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They are best enjoyed within four to five days but can be frozen for up to one month.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are not only delightful to look at but also perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Serving them in a festive way can enhance the holiday spirit and make your gatherings even more special.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative platter, mixing in some other holiday treats like gingerbread men or sugar cookies for variety.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside steaming mugs of hot chocolate. The minty flavor complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

Gift Packages

• Wrap a few cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons. They make great homemade gifts for friends and family.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a decorating station where guests can add extra sprinkles or drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies for a personalized touch.

Holiday Dessert Table

• Include Candy Cane Cookies on your dessert table along with other festive desserts. They will stand out and add color to your spread.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Creating the perfect Candy Cane Cookies requires attention to detail and a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for 2-3 hours makes it easier to shape and helps prevent spreading while baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the right texture and taste.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel coloring instead of liquid food coloring for more vibrant red stripes that won’t alter the dough’s consistency.
• Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Bake until just set; they should be slightly soft when taken out of the oven, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

While Candy Cane Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Bark: A festive treat made from layers of dark and white chocolate topped with crushed peppermint candies.
2. Gingerbread Men: Classic holiday cookies that offer a spicy contrast to the sweet minty flavor of Candy Cane Cookies.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide a delicious crunch that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or apples add a refreshing element that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Spiced Nuts: A mixture of roasted nuts seasoned with holiday spices delivers a savory option that complements sweet flavors.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes topped with berries or caramel provide a rich, creamy contrast to the lightness of candy cane cookies.
7. Sugar Cookie Bars: Chewy bars decorated with frosting can be cut into squares, making them easy to serve alongside your festive cookie spread.
8. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet and salty popcorn drizzled with caramel offers an irresistible snack that enhances any dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many bakers encounter issues when making Candy Cane Cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring chilling time: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to sticky dough that’s hard to shape. Always chill the dough for 2-3 hours for better handling.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Inconsistent cookie sizes: Unevenly sized cookies bake at different rates, leading to some being over or undercooked. Use a scale or cookie scoop for uniformity.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on a sheet can cause sticking and uneven browning. Always line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for best results.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for about 4-5 days.
• Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to one month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes until they’re soft.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Candy Cane Cookies?

Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats made with peppermint-flavored dough that is twisted into candy cane shapes, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can use vanilla, almond, or even chocolate flavors if you prefer a different taste while still keeping the festive look.

How do I decorate Candy Cane Cookies?

You can use sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies on top before baking for added sweetness and a pop of color!

Why did my Candy Cane Cookies spread too much?

Overmixing the dough or not chilling it long enough before baking can cause excessive spreading. Make sure to follow chilling instructions closely.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it. Just thaw before shaping and baking!

Conclusion

These Candy Cane Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile, allowing you to customize flavors and decorations. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring cheer and sweetness to any occasion. Try making them your own by experimenting with different colors or toppings!

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