Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings together the sweetness of sugar cookies and the refreshing taste of peppermint. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s bursting with festive cheer, topped with crushed candy canes that provide a satisfying crunch. cozy dessert pairing festive dessert ideas The aroma wafts through your home, instantly elevating your mood and inviting everyone to gather around the kitchen.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What is the best way to crush candy canes?
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These cookies hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of holiday baking marathons with my family. We would dip our fingers into bowls of colorful sprinkles and giggle as we tried to make each cookie unique. shortbread cookie variations Now, I can’t help but smile every time I whip up this Candy Cane Cookie Recipe during the holidays. perfect coffee cake for holidays They are perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in while snuggled up on the couch. For more inspiration, check out this irresistible double chocolate cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Candy Cane Cookies are simple to prepare, making them great for bakers of all levels
- Expect a delightful flavor explosion with every bite, combining buttery goodness and peppermint delight
- Their festive red and white appearance makes them an eye-catching addition to any holiday platter
- Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as part of your favorite dessert spread
I still remember the first time I made these cookies for my friends; their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they took their first bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure, use a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that lovely chewy texture.
- Baking Powder: A must-have leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise perfectly. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar.
- Eggs: One large egg adds richness and moisture to your dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for an authentic flavor boost.
- Peppermint Extract: This gives those festive Candy Cane cookies their signature minty kick.
- Candy Canes: Crush these into pieces for topping; they add crunch and visual appeal!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring easy clean-up later.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should become smooth and aromatic.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder until well blended. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Add Crushed Candy Canes: Fold in crushed candy canes into your dough gently so as not to break them down too much; you want visible bits for that festive touch!
Scoop and Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; let cool on racks before devouring!
Enjoy making these festive treats that will surely bring joy to you and your loved ones!
You Must Know
- This delightful Candy Cane Cookie Recipe combines the festive flavors of peppermint and chocolate
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, with a crunchy exterior and soft center that melt in your mouth
- The vibrant red and white colors will make your dessert table pop!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients while folding in crushed candy canes for that minty surprise.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate or even dark chocolate. Adding a pinch of sea salt can enhance the flavors beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, briefly warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a perfect texture, don’t overmix the dough
- Letting cookies cool on the tray helps set their shape
- Using fresh peppermint extract will enhance the flavor tremendously!
The first time I made these cookies, my friends couldn’t stop eating them! We ended up having a spontaneous cookie party, complete with hot cocoa and laughter.
FAQ
What is the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin for easy crushing!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They maintain their freshness for about one week when stored properly!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, blending soft, chewy sugar cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. Topped with crushed candy canes, these festive delights are sure to bring smiles and cheer to your gatherings. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they evoke warm memories of holiday baking traditions. Treat yourself and loved ones to these delightful cookies that are just as enjoyable fresh out of the oven as they are shared during cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in crushed candy canes.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cooling on racks before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
