There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about the festive vibes that fill my kitchen when I bake Candy Cane Cookies. As the scent of peppermint dances through the air, memories of family gatherings during the holidays come rushing back. Just picture it: a cozy evening, a mug of hot cocoa in hand, and the joy of creating delicious treats that will be savored by loved ones.
What I adore about these cookies is not just their vibrant, cheerful stripes; they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their baking repertoire. Whether you’re treating yourself, surprising your neighbors, or bringing a delightful contribution to a holiday party, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ready to indulge your senses and create something truly special this season? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations!
Why choose Candy Cane Cookies for your holidays?
Nostalgic Flavors: The delightful blend of peppermint and vanilla evokes warm memories of holiday gatherings.
Festive Appeal: Their vibrant red and white stripes aren’t just visually stunning—they’re sure to delight friends and family this season!
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can whip up these cookies effortlessly, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to elevate their holiday baking.
Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes for lovely homemade gifts that will impress anyone on your list.
Joyful Baking Activity: Gather the family for a fun cookie-making session that creates not just treats, but lasting memories.
Don’t miss out on wonderful flavors this season—check out additional tips for baking success!
Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake something magical!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups for a perfect cookie base.
- Baking powder – ½ teaspoon helps cookies rise to a delightful texture.
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon enhances the sweetness of the dough.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup, softened for a rich flavor and soft texture.
- Granulated sugar – ¾ cup provides sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
- Large egg – 1, binding the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons infuse warmth and depth into the cookies.
- Peppermint extract – ½ teaspoon brings that signature candy cane flavor to life.
- Red food coloring – Use gel preferred for vibrant, festive stripes.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup sweetens and thickens your eye-catching glaze.
- Milk – 2 tablespoons, used to achieve a smooth consistency for the glaze.
- Peppermint extract – ½ teaspoon adds that extra festive touch to your glaze.
These Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer!
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie release. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked treats!
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Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, creating a light and airy mix. This blend is essential for achieving the right texture, so set it aside with love.
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Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy—around 2-3 minutes. This adds airiness, which results in delicious cookies!
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Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter-sugar mix. Mix until well combined, letting the sweet and minty aromas fill the kitchen!
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until fully combined to form a soft dough. It should feel smooth and slightly tacky; just what we want!
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Divide the dough in half, then color one half with red food coloring. Knead it until the color is even, creating a fun contrast for the candy cane effect.
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Roll small pieces of both the red and plain dough into ropes. Twist them together to create beautiful spirals, then shape them into cookies. Get creative with the shapes you make!
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Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The delightful aroma will let you know they’re almost ready!
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Cool the cookies completely before decorating them with the glaze. Patience is key here; you want that glaze to shine!
Optional: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top for an indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Candy Cane Cookies?
As you revel in the sweet atmosphere of the holidays, let’s explore some delightful pairings that enhance the joy of these festive treats.
- Hot Cocoa: The velvety richness of hot cocoa perfectly complements the peppermint flavors, making for a cozy pairing that warms the heart.
- Peppermint Latte: Enhance the peppermint experience with a creamy latte, creating a delightful balance of sweet and refreshing flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast, allowing the cookie’s textures and flavors to shine even more.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These juicy berries provide a fresh, fruity balance to the sweet, crunchy cookies, elevating your dessert spread.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Bursting with color and freshness, seasonal fruits add a light, refreshing note that cleanses the palate beautifully.
- Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, eggnog is the quintessential holiday drink that pairs wonderfully with the sweet peppermint notes.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Adding another holiday favorite creates a warm, nostalgic vibe; the spices in gingerbread complement the sweetness of candy cane cookies.
- Pecan Pie Bars: Rich and nutty pecan bars offer a lovely textural contrast that rounds out your festive dessert table.
- Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea brings comforting aromas that harmonize with the sweetness of the candy cane cookies.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Thick, rich, and indulgent, a chocolate milkshake will take your holiday dessert experience to the next level!
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, perfect for munching on throughout the holiday season.
Fridge: If you’d like to extend their freshness, place the cookies in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, simply zap them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste just like fresh-baked Candy Cane Cookies!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor their festive flavors without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it; this helps maintain its freshness and prevents drying out. If you wish to prep even further ahead, you can roll the shaped cookies and freeze them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen cookies on a baking sheet right from the freezer and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy warm, delightful cookies that are just as delicious as if they were freshly made!
Candy Cane Cookies Variations
Feel free to personalize your cookies and make them uniquely yours with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for perfect texture without the gluten.
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Vegan: Replace the egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, and use vegan butter for a cruelty-free treat.
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Chocolate Peppermint: Mix in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a deliciously sweet and chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with the mint.
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Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, festive flavor that dances on your palate.
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Peppermint Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes into the cookie dough to amplify that signature crunch and flavor.
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Nutty Texture: For added texture, incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough, which complements the mint beautifully and adds a delightful crunch.
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Decorative Eye-Catcher: Instead of a plain glaze, drizzle melted white chocolate and top with festive sprinkles to give your cookies a fun, eye-catching finish.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the granulated sugar to ½ cup without sacrificing that lovely peppermint flavor.
Let your creativity shine as you customize these Candy Cane Cookies for unforgettable holiday moments!
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies
Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes before shaping helps maintain its structure during baking.
Use Gel Coloring: Gel food coloring gives the most vibrant red stripes. Liquid colors tend to dilute the dough, so stick to gel for impactful hues.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven; overbaked cookies can become dry. Look for lightly golden edges for that perfect texture.
Even Stripes: For uniform candy cane shapes, roll out even-sized ropes. This not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures even baking.
Glazing Tips: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before adding the glaze. A warm base can cause the glaze to melt rather than set beautifully.
Try these tips and enjoy the delightful experience of making Candy Cane Cookies this holiday season!
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! All-purpose flour is perfect for these cookies. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness, ensuring your cookies turn out soft and chewy. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results—spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off for precision.
How should I store my Candy Cane Cookies?
You can store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy them longer, refrigerate the cookies wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Want to preserve their freshness even more? Freeze them for up to 3 months, using an airtight container or freezer bag, with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge or at room temperature!
What if my dough is too sticky?
Very! If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This firms up the butter and makes it easier to roll out the dough without sticking to your hands or the surface. If it’s still too sticky after chilling, you can gradually add a little more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it, as that could make cookies tough.
Are Candy Cane Cookies safe for pets?
Definitely keep these cookies away from pets! Chocolate and certain sweeteners, particularly xylitol, can be harmful to dogs. While the ingredients in Candy Cane Cookies aren’t toxic, it’s best to avoid sharing them with your furry friends to ensure they stay safe and healthy.
How can I make my Candy Cane Cookies more festive?
You can add festive touches by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or sprinkling crushed candy canes on top of the glaze before it sets. These simple embellishments enhance not just the flavor but the visual appeal, making them perfect for holiday gifting or gatherings!
Delicious Candy Cane Cookies for a Sweet Holiday Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie release.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl, then set it aside.
- Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter-sugar mix; mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until fully combined to form a soft dough.
- Divide the dough in half, then color one half with red food coloring and knead until even.
- Roll small pieces of both the red and plain dough into ropes, twist them together, and shape them into cookies.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies completely before decorating them with the glaze.