Introduction
There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season, and these Candy Cane Cookies capture that spirit perfectly! With a delightful combination of buttery goodness, peppermint essence, and festive colors, these cookies are sure to become a treasured part of your holiday traditions. They not only taste amazing but also fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that hints at the joy of the season to come. Whether you’re sharing them with family or giving them as gifts, these sweet treats are bound to bring smiles all around!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a delightful base for your cookies.
- Mix in the peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and the egg, blending well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half. Use red food coloring to tint one half and green food coloring to tint the other half, mixing thoroughly until the colors are vibrant.
- Take small pieces of each colored dough and roll them into ropes approximately 4 inches long, allowing the colors to shine!
- Twist one red rope and one green rope together to create a whimsical candy cane shape and carefully place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat this twisting process with the remaining dough, filling the baking sheets with these colorful delights.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, set your timer and watch for that perfect hue.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top while they are still warm, letting them stick to the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For an extra burst of peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract to the dough, but be cautious—a little goes a long way! If you’re feeling creative, you can also mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container to maintain their deliciousness.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe primarily uses the creaming method, which is key to creating that light, airy texture in cookies. Be sure to cream the butter and sugar well—it should be light in color and fluffy, which helps to give your cookies that perfect rise. When rolling the dough, take your time to ensure that the ropes are even; it not only makes for prettier cookies but also ensures even baking. Lastly, sprinkling the candy canes while they’re warm allows them to adhere beautifully, creating that festive look we all adore!
FAQ
- Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just place them in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
- What can I use instead of butter? You can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter alternative, keeping in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.
- How should I store leftover cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a piece of holiday magic that you can share with those you love. With each bite, you’ll experience the rich, creamy texture accompanied by a refreshing pop of peppermint, all wrapped in an adorable candy cane shape. So, gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the heartwarming joy of baking together. Happy holidays!