Indulge in the enchanting world of holiday baking with our Candy Cane Cookie Recipe. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with peppermint and swirled with festive red and white colors. festive peppermint swirl cookies The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in warmth and cheer, making this treat irresistible during the holiday season. Christmas fruitcake cookies. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different types of candy canes?
- How do I get my cookies to stay soft?
- What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every bite of these delightful cookies transports you back to childhood memories of hanging candy canes on the tree. Picture cozy evenings spent with family, laughter echoing around as you sift flour and sprinkle sugar. fun Grinch sugar cookies These cookies are perfect for sharing at parties or savoring quietly while watching your favorite holiday movie marathon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Candy Cane Cookie Recipe is an effortless delight that brings festive cheer to your table
- The flavor combination of sweet and minty will brighten any gathering
- Their vibrant colors make them a visual treat, sure to impress guests
- Perfect for gift-giving or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa!
Baking these cookies always gets a round of applause from friends and family who can’t resist their charm.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for a better texture and flavor; it forms the backbone of your cookie dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; feel free to adjust based on your personal taste or dietary needs.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness; let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Eggs: One large egg helps bind everything together, giving your cookies that perfect chewy texture.
- Peppermint Extract: Choose high-quality extract for a burst of refreshing mint flavor that defines these cookies.
- Baking Powder: This ingredient ensures your cookies rise beautifully without being too dense.
- Candy Canes: Crush them into tiny pieces for both decoration and a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Red Food Coloring: A few drops add festive flair to your cookie dough without affecting the flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Begin by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. This makes it easier to follow along without scrambling around looking for things.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Create the Cookie Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. You should notice a light color change indicating it’s well mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in one egg and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be creamy with a lovely minty aroma filling your kitchen.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep those cookies tender; we want soft, not tough!
Add Color and Candy Canes: Divide the dough into two parts; add red food coloring to one half while folding crushed candy canes into both portions. This gives each cookie its signature look and delicious crunch.
Scoop & Bake Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
Let these joyful treats cool on wire racks before indulging yourself or sharing with others during this magical season!
Enjoy every bite of these whimsical cookies that capture the essence of holiday spirit right in their chewy goodness!
You Must Know
- Baking these Candy Cane Cookies fills your kitchen with a delightful peppermint aroma
- Remember to crush the candy canes finely, or you’ll end up with awkward cookie crunches instead of a sweet sprinkle
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, they add festive cheer to any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix your butter and sugar until fluffy before adding eggs and vanilla. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients, then fold in crushed candy canes. This order ensures flavors blend beautifully without overworking the dough.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vanilla for almond extract for a unique flavor twist. You could also experiment with white chocolate chips or even sprinkles if you want extra color. chocolate thumbprint cookies The beauty of this recipe is that you can personalize it to suit your taste. For more inspiration, check out this double chocolate cookies recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their original softness and warmth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, don’t overmix the dough; stop as soon as everything is combined
- Letting the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps prevent spreading while baking
- Always use parchment paper on your baking sheets for easy cleanup and perfect cookies every time
Baking these cookies always reminds me of my childhood holidays when my mom would have flour everywhere and giggles echoing through the kitchen as we decorated them together.
FAQ
Can I use different types of candy canes?
Absolutely! You can experiment with flavored candy canes like cherry or wintergreen.
How do I get my cookies to stay soft?
Make sure not to overbake them; they should be slightly undercooked when you take them out.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place them in a zip-top bag and gently pound with a rolling pin or mallet until they’re finely crushed.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bring the magic of the holidays into your kitchen with these Candy Cane Cookies. Soft and chewy, infused with refreshing peppermint, and adorned with vibrant red and white swirls, these cookies are a nostalgic treat that evokes cherished memories of festive gatherings. Perfect for sharing at parties or cozy nights in, every bite is a celebration of holiday spirit!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until thoroughly combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and baking powder until just blended; avoid overmixing.
- Divide the dough in half and add red food coloring to one portion. Fold in crushed candy canes into both halves.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft. Cool on wire racks before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
