The magic of candy cane cookies is undeniable during the holiday season. These vibrant and festive treats provide a delightful combination of peppermint flavor and a beautiful red-and-white swirl. Not only do they look stunning on any dessert table, but they also fill your home with a sweet aroma that signals the arrival of the holidays. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to share some cheer with friends and family, these cookies are an absolute must-bake.
Ingredient Breakdown
Flour
You will need 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. This is the foundation for your cookie dough, providing structure and stability for each cookie.
Sugar
Use 1 cup of granulated sugar. This sweetener gives the cookies their characteristic sweetness while helping them achieve a nice texture when baked.
Butter
Incorporate 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter at room temperature. This key ingredient adds richness and moisture to your cookies, ensuring they remain tender.
Egg
Add 1 large egg. The egg serves as a binding agent in the dough, helping to hold everything together while contributing to the overall texture.
Peppermint Extract
Include 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract for flavoring. This ingredient brings that classic candy cane taste that makes these cookies so special.
Baking Powder
Use 1 teaspoon of baking powder. This leavening agent helps the cookies rise slightly in the oven, creating a soft texture.
Red Food Coloring
Utilize red food coloring (about ½ teaspoon). This will give half of your dough a vibrant color that mimics the festive appearance of candy canes.
Candy Canes
Crush about ½ cup of candy canes for garnish. These crushed pieces not only enhance flavor but also provide a beautiful topping that makes your cookies visually appealing.
Step By Step Recipe: Magic of Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to bake evenly without burning.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients. Properly mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution in the cookie dough.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 minutes on medium speed. Proper creaming incorporates air into the mixture, leading to softer cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Peppermint Extract
Beat in one egg and peppermint extract until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly; this helps distribute flavors evenly throughout your cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed until just combined—do not overmix! This will help maintain a tender cookie texture once baked.
Step 6: Divide Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half; leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other half until you achieve a vibrant color. Mix gently until uniform color is achieved without overworking the dough.
Step 7: Form Swirls
Take equal portions from both halves of dough and shape them into logs about six inches long. Twist them together gently to create swirls before cutting into smaller pieces for individual cookies.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place formed cookie pieces onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart from each other. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft—this ensures chewy centers!
Step 9: Cool Down
Allow baked cookies to cool on sheets for five minutes before transferring them to wire racks for complete cooling. Cooling prevents them from becoming too hard while maintaining their delightful texture.
Step 10: Garnish with Crushed Candy Canes
Once completely cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they’re still slightly sticky if necessary; this adds extra flair! The vibrant colors make these treats even more festive!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious candy cane cookies fresh with a glass of milk or hot cocoa during holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home with loved ones! They make excellent gifts too when packaged beautifully!
Storage Guidelines
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week—this keeps them fresh without losing flavor or texture over time! Alternatively, freeze them for longer storage periods if needed!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Candy Cane Cookies is overmixing the dough. When you overmix, the cookies can become tough instead of soft and chewy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture. Another mistake is using stale ingredients. Always check your baking powder and flour for freshness to ensure your cookies rise properly and taste great. Additionally, neglecting to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and keeps the shape intact. Finally, skipping the cooling time on a wire rack can result in soggy bottoms.
Tips and tricks
For perfect Candy Cane Cookies, start with room temperature butter for an even mix. This helps create a soft dough that holds its shape during baking. Consider using high-quality peppermint extract instead of imitation flavoring for a more robust taste. When rolling out the dough, dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking but avoid using too much as it can alter the cookie’s texture. A great tip is to use crushed candy canes on top before baking; this adds a festive look and extra crunch. Lastly, bake in batches to maintain consistent oven temperature; this helps each cookie bake evenly.
Suggestions for Magic of Candy Cane Cookies
When choosing toppings for your Candy Cane Cookies, consider adding white chocolate drizzle for a sweet contrast with peppermint flavors. You can also experiment with different types of crushed candies or sprinkles for visual appeal. If you want softer cookies, reduce the baking time slightly; this keeps them chewy in the center while still achieving a slight crisp on the edges. For added flavor depth, try incorporating a pinch of sea salt into your dough before mixing in the other ingredients. Serve these cookies with hot cocoa or coffee for an amazing holiday treat experience.
FAQs
What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?
Candy Cane Cookies are special because they blend traditional sugar cookie flavors with festive peppermint notes, creating a delightful treat during the holiday season. The vibrant red-and-white swirl design mimics real candy canes, making them visually appealing as well as delicious.
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
To store leftover Magic of Candy Cane Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time by preparing and chilling the dough up to three days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can substitute it with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that you won’t achieve that classic minty taste associated with Candy Cane Cookies.
Absolutely! You can substitute regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking. Ensure that your chosen blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to achieve similar texture and consistency.
Cookies may spread too much due to overly warm dough or insufficient chilling time before baking. Make sure your dough is chilled properly and try using parchment paper on your baking sheets to help control spreading during the baking process.
Summary
In summary, creating delicious Magic of Candy Cane Cookies involves avoiding common mistakes such as overmixing and using stale ingredients. Use helpful tips like starting with room temperature butter and experimenting with toppings to enhance flavor and presentation. Don’t hesitate to prepare these festive treats ahead of time or make adjustments based on available ingredients, ensuring that everyone enjoys these delightful holiday cookies!
Print
Magic of Candy Cane Cookies
Delight in the festive spirit with these enchanting Candy Cane Cookies, combining the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a satisfying crunch!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Red and green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions; leave one portion plain and color the other with red or green food coloring as desired.
7. Fold in crushed candy canes into both doughs.
8. Take small amounts of each colored dough and roll them together to form a twisted shape for each cookie.
9. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can adjust the amount of crushed candy canes based on your preference for minty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: candy cane, cookies, festive, holiday baking