Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies: Festive, Twisted Holiday Treats That Will Steal the Show 🍪✨

1. Introduction

Nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like a batch of beautifully twisted Candy Cane Cookies! These delightful treats are not only visually stunning with their iconic red and white swirls but also irresistibly buttery with just the right hint of peppermint sweetness. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as edible gifts, this candy cane cookies recipe is a must-try for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next holiday gathering or want to start a new family tradition, these cookies are guaranteed to spread Christmas cheer. If you love festive treats, you might also enjoy our Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butterbeer Cookies for another magical baking experience.

2. Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (creates a tender crumb)
• 1 large egg (binds everything together)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (the star of the show!)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly for best results)
• ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
• Red food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color without altering texture)
• Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional for extra crunch and festive look)

For more delicious cookie recipes, check out our complete cookie collection featuring everything from classic chocolate chip to innovative flavor combinations.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy – this should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should become noticeably paler in color. This step is crucial for creating that perfect cookie texture. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined. The aroma at this stage will already start smelling like Christmas!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears. The dough should come together nicely but still be slightly sticky. If you’re enjoying this baking process, you might love making our Millionaire Brownies next – they’re another showstopping dessert!

Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain (white) and add red food coloring to the other, kneading until the color is evenly distributed. For the most vibrant red stripes that won’t fade during baking, gel food coloring works best. Start with a small amount and add more as needed – you can always add more color but you can’t take it away! This is where the magic starts to happen as you prepare to create those signature candy cane stripes.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Take small pieces of each colored dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into ropes about 4 inches long. The thickness will determine your final cookie size. Twist one red and one white rope together gently but firmly, then bend the top to form that classic candy cane shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between cookies as they will spread slightly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. The cookies should remain pale for that authentic candy cane look. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. For more holiday baking inspiration, see our White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Clusters – another festive favorite!

4. Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to handle – this prevents spreading during baking
• Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors without altering dough consistency
• For extra sparkle and crunch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on cookies before baking
• Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to maintain freshness for up to a week
• If the dough cracks while shaping, lightly moisten your fingers to smooth it out

For more helpful baking tips and tricks, explore our recipe collection where we share all our best kitchen secrets!

5. Variations

• Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to half the dough for delicious chocolate-peppermint cookies
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Vegan: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
• Pastel Version: Use pink or light green food coloring for Easter or spring celebrations
• Extra Minty: Add 1/2 teaspoon additional peppermint extract for a stronger flavor

If you enjoy creative variations, you’ll love our Easter Crack recipe that offers endless customization options!

6. Serving Suggestions

These candy cane cookies are the ultimate holiday treat. Arrange them on a festive platter with other Christmas cookies for a stunning dessert display. They pair beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or peppermint tea. For a special touch, package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts. You can even use them as adorable (and delicious!) decorations for your Christmas tree – just make a small hole before baking and thread with ribbon. For more holiday serving ideas, check out our Lucky Charms Ice Cream Sundae for another fun presentation.

7. Storage Instructions

Store your candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, you can freeze either the unbaked dough or baked cookies:

• Unbaked dough: Shape into ropes, place on parchment-lined tray and freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time.
• Baked cookies: Freeze in single layers separated by parchment in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract?
Absolutely! While the peppermint flavor is traditional, you can substitute with almond extract for a different twist, or simply use extra vanilla extract. The cookies will still have that beautiful candy cane appearance.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
This usually happens if the butter is too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch (about 65°F). If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking. Also check your oven temperature with a thermometer – an oven that runs cool can cause spreading.

Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but you may need significantly more to achieve vibrant color, which could slightly alter the dough consistency. Gel or paste food colors are recommended because they provide intense color without adding extra liquid. If using liquid, you might need to add a bit more flour to compensate.

How do I get perfect stripes?
The key is to roll ropes of equal thickness and length. When twisting, do so gently but firmly, and try to make the twists evenly spaced. If the dough gets too soft while working, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up.

For more baking Q&A, visit our Snack Category where we answer all sorts of common baking questions!

9. Conclusion

These Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a sweet treat – they’re edible holiday magic! With their cheerful red and white swirls and delightful peppermint flavor, they capture the essence of Christmas in every bite. Whether you’re leaving them out for Santa, gifting them to neighbors, or simply enjoying them with loved ones by the fire, this candy cane cookies recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. The process of making them is half the fun – get the whole family involved in twisting the dough into candy cane shapes! For another fun family baking project, try our breakfast treats that kids love to help with. From our kitchen to yours, we wish you happy baking and the merriest of holidays! 🎄🍪

Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out this classic candy cane cookie recipe from our friends at Simply Recipes for another take on this festive treat!

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