Introduction
Welcome to the magic of holiday baking! Nothing quite says festive cheer like a batch of Candy Cane Cookies. Their sweet, buttery dough swirled with peppermint flavor and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes makes for a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. These cookies not only look stunning with their whimsical candy cane shape, but they also fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that will have everyone eagerly waiting for a taste. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into this enchanting recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, preparing a cozy space for your cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost pillow-like in texture.
- Add in the egg along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat everything together until well combined — the aroma should start to fill the air!
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing for tender cookies!
- Divide the dough in half. In one half, gently fold in the peppermint extract and add a few drops of red food coloring, mixing until the color is beautifully blended.
- Now, take small pieces of both the white and red dough and roll them into 6-inch ropes, channeling your inner candy maker!
- Twist one red rope together with one white rope to form the classic candy cane shape. Press the ends to seal them together securely.
- Place the shaped cookies on your prepared baking sheets, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for some spreading during baking.
- Bake these sweet creations in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until their edges turn a lovely golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Allow them to cool completely — if you can resist!
- After the cookies have cooled down, sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes for a festive finish and a delightful crunch.
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of holiday cheer, feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate over the finished cookies before adding the crushed candy canes. This delightful combination of chocolate and peppermint will surely impress your family and friends!
Cooking Techniques
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dough! You can also make striped cookies by combining equal amounts of red and white dough into swirls. Plus, these cookies freeze well; just layer between parchment in an airtight container for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy the festive spirit all season long!
FAQ
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into ropes, and refrigerate it for a couple of days. When you’re ready, just bake them fresh!
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
No worries! You can omit the color or use a different color of food coloring to create your own fun variations. Green would be lovely for a festive twist!
Conclusion
There you have it, the perfect recipe for Candy Cane Cookies to bring a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to your holiday celebrations. The combination of flavors and the adorable presentation make them a delightful gift for friends and family, or simply a special treat for yourself as you enjoy the season. Happy baking!