With the holiday season just around the corner, my kitchen transforms into a festive wonderland filled with the lively scent of Candy Cane Cookies. These delightful treats are not only soft and chewy but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for bakers of any level. Plus, the best part? They’re wonderfully customizable! Whether you decide to dip them in rich dark chocolate or sprinkle them with crushed candy canes, they add a cheerful touch to any gathering or gift basket. Embrace your inner holiday spirit with these Candy Cane Cookies—who wouldn’t be excited to share such a joyful bite? Ready to spread some festive cheer? Let’s get baking!
Why Are Candy Cane Cookies a Must-Try?
Festive Appeal: The bright red and white swirls make these cookies a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table, capturing the essence of the season.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats with confidence.
Customizable Delights: Whether you choose to sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or dip them in chocolate, each batch can be uniquely yours. For more creative ideas, check out my Lemon Oatmeal Cookies!
Crowd-Pleasers: These cookies are sure to be a hit at parties or as homemade gifts, bringing smiles to loved ones with every bite.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready, saving you time during the busy holiday season.
Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat Ingredients
For the Dough
- Butter – Provides richness and helps achieve a tender texture; use unsalted for better control over salt content.
- Powdered Sugar – Contributes to sweetness and a smooth texture in the dough.
- Egg – Binds the ingredients and aids in leavening, ensuring a soft cookie.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm flavor that beautifully complements the peppermint.
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses the dough with a fragrant minty taste that embodies the holiday spirit.
- All-Purpose Flour – The primary structure-building ingredient; it creates the dough’s backbone.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; if using salted butter, you can omit this ingredient.
- Red Gel Food Coloring – Offers a festive touch to half the dough; avoid liquid food coloring to prevent altering dough consistency.
For Topping
- Crushed Peppermint Candies (Optional) – A delightful addition for topping, adding a crunchy holiday texture.
- Dark Chocolate (Optional) – Perfect for dipping, enriching the cookies and pairing wonderfully with the mint flavor.
These Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treats are just the beginning—get ready for a baking adventure that your friends and family will adore!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened butter with 2 cups of powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. You want the mixture to be pale and smooth, indicating that it’s well combined and airy. This step is crucial for achieving the tender texture in your Candy Cane Cookies.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until just combined, ensuring all the ingredients are well blended without over-mixing. The batter should be creamy, aromatic, and ready to take on the dry ingredients that will form the base of your cookies.
Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until evenly distributed. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough forms a soft ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl—this is the foundation of your festive Candy Cane Cookies!
Step 4: Divide and Color Dough
Once the dough is formed, split it in half. Dye one half with red gel food coloring until well mixed, keeping the other half plain. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for about 1 hour in the refrigerator to firm up, making it easier to shape the cookies later.
Step 5: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation step ensures that your Candy Cane Cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick to the pan, allowing for a beautiful presentation once they’re done.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
After chilling, take both portions of dough out of the fridge. Roll small pieces of each color into ropes about 6 inches long. Twist the red and white ropes together to form the classic candy cane shape, then gently place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie for spreading.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until they are set but not browned. The cookies should look slightly firm around the edges while remaining soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set up properly before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 8: Cooling
Carefully transfer the freshly baked Candy Cane Cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential as it allows the cookies to firm up while maintaining their chewy texture. Once cooled, they’ll be ready to decorate or enjoy as a delightful holiday treat!
Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat Variations
Embrace the spirit of creativity as you customize these festive delights with various twists and adaptations!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for delicious, inclusive cookies everyone can enjoy. Just ensure your blend has xanthan gum for the best texture.
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Chocolate Dipped: After baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted dark chocolate for a rich, decadent twist. It adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint!
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Minty Layer: Mix in some crushed peppermint candies into the dough for extra crunch and flavor. This little addition enhances the festive spirit and makes each bite even more delightful.
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Color Fun: Instead of just red, use other gel food colors to create a rainbow of candy cane cookies! Think green, blue, or even festive stripes for a playful twist on tradition.
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Coconut Whispers: Add shredded unsweetened coconut to the dough for a tropical feel that complements the peppermint nicely. It lends a chewy texture and interesting flavor contrast.
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Nutty Surprise: Toss in some finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie. This nutty addition will give your cookies a gourmet touch.
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Savory Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor enhancement. These spices align beautifully with the holiday season, creating a cozy taste to savor.
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Pineapple Infusion: Combine one tablespoon of pineapple juice for a fruity freshness that highlights the minty flavor. This unexpected addition surprises and delights the palate, making for a refreshing treat.
For more delightful holiday treats, don’t forget to check out my Crunch Cheesecake Tacos or indulge in some Ingredient Chewy Cookies for a variety of textures and flavors this season!
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate Candy Cane Cookies for up to 3 days. Just ensure they are sealed well to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies for up to 3 months. Layer between parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their chewy goodness!
What to Serve with Candy Cane Cookies
The holiday spirit comes alive when you create a cozy, delicious spread to accompany these delightful Candy Cane Cookies.
- Peppermint Hot Cocoa: A warm, rich beverage that enhances the minty flavor of the cookies, perfect for a cozy evening.
- Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink adds a festive touch and a luscious complement to the soft sweetness of the cookies.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Silky and smooth, the coolness of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the warm, chewy texture of the cookies.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce to dip the cookies elevates them into a rich dessert experience that everyone will love.
- Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits like berries introduce a refreshing contrast, lightening the festive sweetness and bringing color to your spread.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices of chai create a wonderful pairing with the minty cookies, warming you from the inside out.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle on top of whipped cream for your hot drinks or ice cream, adding a delightful crunch that matches the cookie’s theme.
- Gingerbread Men: Enhance your dessert table with these spiced cookies, as their festive flavors harmonize beautifully with the candy cane essence.
Together, these pairings craft an enchanting holiday experience that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for meal prep during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. For even more convenience, you can shape the cookies and freeze them for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your festive treat, bake directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you’ll have soft, chewy, holiday-flavored Candy Cane Cookies ready with minimal effort and maximal cheer!
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat
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Butter Matters: Make sure to use softened butter for easier mixing and a better texture; cold butter can lead to crumbly cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher cookies instead of the tender Candy Cane Cookies you’re aiming for.
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Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It firms up the dough, making it easier to shape while helping to maintain the cookies’ integrity during baking.
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Perfect Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake—check for a set but soft center. This ensures they remain chewy, a signature of delightful Candy Cane Cookies.
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Creative Variations: Feel free to experiment! If gluten-free adaptations are needed, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend, and enjoy the same festive flavors.
Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe peppermint candies?
Absolutely! When choosing peppermint candies, look for vibrant colors without any dark spots or signs of moisture. These visual cues indicate the candies are fresh. If you’re shopping for crushed peppermint, ensure it’s packed in a sealed bag to maintain freshness until you’re ready to use it.
How should I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy! If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just remember to seal them tightly to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Candy Cane Cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature, or reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that chewy goodness.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find that the dough is sticky, you can chill it for an additional 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This should help firm it up. Alternatively, you can incorporate a small amount of flour, about 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Be cautious of adding too much, which can affect the texture of your cookies.
Are any ingredients in Candy Cane Cookies a concern for dietary restrictions?
Great question! The primary ingredients are safe for most diets, but if you have gluten sensitivities, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your peppermint extracts are free from gluten, as some brands may cause allergic reactions. Always read labels and double-check for allergies!
Can I swap any of the ingredients in this recipe?
Very! If you want to eliminate dairy, try using a dairy-free butter alternative. For a lower sugar option, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the dough, but keep in mind this may change the texture slightly. Additionally, feel free to experiment with flavored extracts, like vanilla or almond, to create your unique twist!
Candy Cane Cookies Holiday Treat: A Festive Twist for All
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture and beat until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually incorporate into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.
- Split the dough in half, dye one half with red gel food coloring, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll small pieces of each color into 6-inch ropes, twist together, and place on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned, then cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or enjoying.
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