Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that merge the festive spirit with tantalizing flavors. These charming cookies not only look like mini candy canes but taste even better, thanks to the rich buttery goodness and a hint of peppermint. Each bite conjures memories of cozy family gatherings, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. As a long-time home baker, I’m excited to share a recipe that encapsulates the joy of the season, delivering both taste and aesthetic appeal.

Reasons to Try It

Why make Candy Cane Cookies? Simply put, they offer a perfect blend of simplicity and festive charm. This recipe is quick enough for a casual bake, but its striking appearance makes it suitable for holiday parties and gatherings. You’ll find that this recipe is also budget-friendly; the ingredients are often staples found in most kitchens. Plus, these cookies are particularly kid-approved! Children love getting involved in the fun of shaping the dough into candy cane forms, making it a great family activity.

"I made these for my holiday party, and they were a hit! The kids loved shaping them up, and the peppermint flavor was just divine!" – Happy Baker

Step-by-Step Overview

Making Candy Cane Cookies is a straightforward process that results in beautiful cookies. You’ll start by creaming the butter and powdered sugar, adding in the wet ingredients, and finally, bringing in the dry components. The dough will then be separated, colored, and shaped before baking. The entire process is manageable within a couple of hours, including cooling time, making it a great option for both seasoned bakers and novices.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items for a fantastic batch of Candy Cane Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Red and green food coloring

You could substitute the unsalted butter with margarine, but for the best flavor, I recommend sticking to butter. If you have dietary restrictions, feel free to use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt, then gradually add this to the creamed mixture, stirring until incorporated.
Divide the dough in half. To one half, add the peppermint extract and your desired amount of red food coloring. Leave the other half plain.
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to roll.
Roll out pieces of each color into long ropes. Twist them together to form candy cane shapes.
Place the shaped cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 9-10 minutes until they are set but still soft. Allow them to cool before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These vibrant Candy Cane Cookies can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Serve them on a festive platter at your next holiday gathering, or package them up as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of cocoa or a glass of milk, making them an ideal treat for cozy evenings.

How to Store & Freeze

To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies stay fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Simply place cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. Always make sure to label your container with the date.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
If you want to enhance the peppermint flavor, consider adding a few crushed candy canes to the dough or sprinkling them on top before baking.
For a smoother appearance, avoid over-working the dough after adding colors.

Creative Twists

Feel free to experiment with flavors and shapes! Instead of peppermint extract, try almond extract for a sweeter, nutty version. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over your cooled cookies or add colored sprinkles for extra holiday flair. Vegan substitutes can easily replace butter and eggs for a plant-based version.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare Candy Cane Cookies?

The total time for prep and baking is around 1.5 to 2 hours, including chilling and cooling.

Can I substitute the powdered sugar?

While powdered sugar is essential for the cookie’s texture, you might try using a powdered natural sweetener, but results may vary.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just make sure to cool them completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

With this delightful Candy Cane Cookie recipe, you can add a festive touch to your holiday baking while creating delicious memories. Whether enjoyed fresh or stored for later, they are sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your household!