Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the festive spirit to any occasion. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe features a perfect blend of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint flavor, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy at home. With their vibrant red and white colors, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any dessert table.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Divide and Color Dough
• Step 3: Chill the Dough
• Step 4: Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies
• Step 5: Chill Again Before Baking
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Prepare Glaze
• Step 8: Finish Up
• How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• With Hot Cocoa
• As Party Favors
• On a Dessert Table
• With Ice Cream
• For Breakfast Treats
• How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the best way to decorate Candy Cane Cookies?
• Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
• How do I ensure my Candy Cane Cookies are soft?
• What variations can I try with this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps in this recipe ensure that even beginner bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without hassle.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts delivers a classic holiday taste that everyone loves.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 20 cookies per batch, these treats are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
• Customizable Design: You can easily adjust the colors or shapes to suit different occasions beyond Christmas.
• Delicious Glaze: The simple peppermint glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the visual appeal of each cookie.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Candy Cane Cookies, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer saves time and effort while ensuring your butter and sugar are perfectly whipped together.
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mat: These non-stick surfaces help prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
• Plastic wrap: Keeping dough covered while it chills is essential for maintaining texture and preventing drying out.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of red food coloring

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Reduce the mixer speed. Gradually add in flour and salt, mixing until combined.

Step 2: Divide and Color Dough

1. Split the dough into two equal halves.
2. In one half, mix in the red food coloring. Ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Shape each portion into a disc and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate for one hour or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Shape Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Measure one tablespoon of each color dough. Roll them into logs about 6 inches long.
3. Twist the two logs together gently to form a candy cane shape.

Step 5: Chill Again Before Baking

1. Place shaped cookie dough on parchment paper or a Silpat-lined baking sheet.
2. Chill shaped cookies for another 15 minutes before baking.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are very light golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

1. While cookies bake, prepare your glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth.

Step 8: Finish Up

1. Once cookies have cooled slightly, spoon glaze over them for a festive finish.

Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Cookies!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Serving Candy Cane Cookies is a delightful way to enhance your holiday gatherings. These festive treats can be enjoyed in various ways, perfect for any occasion.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. The sweetness of the cookies complements the rich chocolate.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon. They make charming and edible gifts for guests to take home.

On a Dessert Table

• Arrange your candy cane cookies on a festive dessert table alongside other Christmas goodies. Their vibrant colors will attract attention.

With Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies alongside scoops of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The combination of flavors will satisfy any sweet tooth.

For Breakfast Treats

• Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee or tea. They add a cheerful touch to breakfast during the holiday season.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your Candy Cane Cookies takes just a few tips to ensure they turn out beautifully every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape while baking, resulting in perfectly formed cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially extracts, are fresh for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them from the oven when they are light golden brown for soft cookies.
• Adjust Color Intensity: If you prefer more vibrant red in your candy canes, feel free to add more food coloring gradually until desired.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool before adding glaze; this prevents it from melting and keeps it looking perfect.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies can be complemented perfectly by various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Bark – A sweet and crunchy chocolate treat that pairs well with the minty flavor of candy cane cookies.
2. Gingerbread Men – Classic holiday cookies that offer a spicy contrast to the sweet peppermint flavor of candy cane cookies.
3. Fruitcake – This traditional dessert adds a rich, fruity element that balances out the sweetness of candy cane cookies.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can create an interesting savory counterpoint to the sugary treats.
5. Spiced Nuts – These can provide a crunchy texture and spiced flavor that complements the sweetness of candy cane cookies.
6. Holiday Punch – A refreshing drink option that pairs nicely with sweets and adds cheer to any gathering.
7. Chocolate Fondue – Dip leftover cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.
8. Sugar Plums – These traditional holiday snacks add a fruity and nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with peppermint flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking Candy Cane Cookies, avoiding common mistakes can ensure your cookies turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape and texture. Don’t rush this part; refrigerate the dough for at least one hour.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision to avoid dense or dry cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, so use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies.
• Baking on a hot sheet: Always use a cool baking sheet when placing your cookie dough. A hot sheet can cause the cookies to spread too much.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, warm cookies for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to decorate Candy Cane Cookies?

You can use royal icing or simple glaze with crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, or freeze formed cookie shapes for later use.

How do I ensure my Candy Cane Cookies are soft?

Make sure not to overbake them; they should be light golden brown on the bottom but still soft in the middle.

What variations can I try with this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?

You could add chocolate chips, use different extracts, or try adding nuts for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe brings a delightful holiday spirit into your kitchen. Their charming appearance and delicious peppermint flavor make them perfect for sharing. Feel free to customize them by adding different toppings or flavors. Enjoy baking these festive treats!