The holidays are a magical time filled with family, fun, and cherished traditions. Few things capture the spirit of the season quite like baking in the kitchen, and candy cane cookies are a delightful way to celebrate. These whimsical cookies, shaped like the iconic holiday candy canes, blend nostalgia, creativity, and flavor in every bite. Whether you're sharing them at a cookie exchange or enjoying them with loved ones, candy cane cookies are sure to become a festive favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these cheerful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
Optional Decorations:
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Dough
- Mix the wet ingredients - In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Add the dry ingredients - Gradually stir in the flour and salt until the dough is well combined.
- Divide the dough - Separate the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and add red food coloring to the other portion, mixing until you achieve a bright, vibrant red color.
2. Chill the Dough
Wrap both dough portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easier to shape and handle.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Roll a teaspoon-sized piece of plain dough and a teaspoon-sized piece of red dough into individual strips, about 5 inches long.
- Place the two strips side by side and twist them gently to form the classic candy cane stripes.
- Curve one end to create the candy cane hook shape and carefully place it on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 8–10 minutes, or until they are firm but not browned. Keep a close eye on them, as you want them to retain their bright colors.
5. Cool and Decorate
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. For extra holiday cheer, sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies or sugar while they’re still warm.
Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Shape
- Work with chilled dough: Warm dough can be sticky and difficult to shape. If it starts to soften, place it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Keep the strips uniform: Roll the plain and red dough strips to the same thickness to achieve even stripes.
- Be gentle: When twisting the strips, avoid pressing too hard to maintain the candy cane shape and prevent colors from blending.
Variations and Creative Twists
While the classic peppermint flavor is a holiday staple, there are plenty of ways to customize your candy cane cookies:
- Flavor swaps: Try almond extract in place of peppermint for a nuttier twist. Or, add a touch of cocoa powder to the red dough for a subtle chocolate kick.
- Color combinations: Make rainbow candy cane cookies by using multiple colors of dough instead of just red and plain.
- Festive finishes: Dip the hooks of the candy canes in white chocolate, and sprinkle on edible glitter or colorful nonpareils for extra sparkle.
Serving Suggestions and Holiday Bliss
Candy cane cookies are as versatile as they are charming. Serve them with a hot cup of cocoa or a glass of milk for a cozy treat. They also make for wonderful homemade gifts—packaged in a decorative tin or wrapped in cellophane with a festive ribbon, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone who receives them.
These cookies are the perfect project for getting the whole family involved. Kids will love helping to twist and shape the dough, while adults can appreciate the delicious results. Plus, their enchanting appearance makes them an ideal centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Candy cane cookies blend tradition and creativity in a way that makes every bite feel special. Add them to your seasonal recipe rotation, and create sweet holiday memories that will last for years to come. Happy baking!
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