Candy Cane Cookies: A Festive Delight for the Holiday Season

As the holiday season rolls around, brightening up your festive gatherings with delicious treats is a must. What’s more festive than the classic Candy Cane Cookies? These charming cookies not only bring enchanting visuals to your dessert table but also captivate taste buds with their delightful peppermint flavor. Whether for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to spread cheer.

In this article, we will delve into everything you need to know about making homemade candy cane cookies from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to tips for perfecting your technique and variations to try. We will also cover their nutritional value and how to store them effectively. Get ready to spread some holiday joy!

What Are Candy Cane Cookies?

Candy cane cookies are festive, mint-flavored cookies often shaped like the iconic candy canes we see during the holiday season. The dough is typically a classic sugar cookie base, infused with a hint of peppermint extract and colored with vibrant red or green food coloring. These cookies can be seamlessly decorated with crushed candy canes or drizzled with white chocolate, transforming a simple cookie into a seasonal masterpiece.

A Brief History

While the exact origins of candy cane cookies are not as documented as traditional candy canes, they likely evolved from the classic sugar cookie traditions seen around Christmas. The festive colors and flavors make them emblematic of the season, signifying joy and warmth during cold winter months.

Candy Cane Cookies

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• Author: chef-joudia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Festive mint-flavored cookies shaped like candy canes, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red and green food coloring
• Crushed candy canes for decoration

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and peppermint extract to the mixture and blend until combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated.
6. Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring.
7. Wrap both portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
8. Take small pieces of each color, roll into ropes, twist together, and shape into candy canes.
9. Place the cookies on the baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
10. Cool on a wire rack, then drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for decoration.

Notes

Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: candy cane cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats

The Science of Ingredients: What to Use for Candy Cane Cookies

Candies might seem simple, but understanding your ingredients is key to mastering the candy cane cookie. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each is crucial.

Essential Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: It’s the backbone of the cookie and provides structure. Choose a high-quality flour for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookie’s crisp-chewy texture.
• Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in your recipe.
• Eggs: Provide moisture and richness, binding the ingredients together for a harmonious batter.
• Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly as they bake.
• Peppermint Extract: The defining flavor of candy canes, this ingredient will ensure an authentic holiday taste.
• Food Coloring: Choose food coloring in red or green to create the classic candy cane look when shaping the cookies.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Adding a sprinkle of these on top of your cookies gives not just flavor but also a delightful crunch.

Ingredient Benefits

• Flour provides essential carbohydrates and protein.
• Butter is rich in essential fatty acids, contributing to overall taste and texture.
• Eggs are a good source of protein and important for nutrient absorption.
• Peppermint extract can invigorate and help with digestion, a nice bonus during the festive feast!

This combination creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures for your candy cane cookies.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candy Cane Cookies

The process of making candy cane cookies is straightforward and enjoyable. Let’s walk through a detailed method to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Prepping Your Workstation

Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk
• A rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Cookie cutters or a knife for shaping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. This can be done using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Extract: Add two large eggs and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture. Blend until fully combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
6. Create a Two-Color Dough: Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring, mixing thoroughly until the color is uniform. Leave the other half uncolored for the white part of your candy cane.
7. Chill the Dough: Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps avoid spreading during baking.
8. Shape the Cookies: Take a small piece of the red and white dough and roll each into a long rope about 6 inches long. Then twist the two colors together and bend one end to form a hook shape.
9. Bake: Place shaped cookies onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just turning golden. Take care not to overbake.
10. Cool and Decorate: Allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for decoration.

Tips, Pro Advice, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is slightly softened at room temperature, as this aids in achieving the quintessential creamy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix: Once you add flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing will lead to tough cookies.
3. Chill the Dough: Skipping the chilling step could result in flat cookies, so ensure you leave enough time for this.
4. Versatile Decoration: Besides crushed candy canes, consider sprinkling colored sugar or edible glitter for a unique touch.
5. Uniform Size: Aim for uniform cookie sizes when shaping to ensure even baking.
6. Monitor Baking Time: Pay close attention to your first batch to gauge the perfect time for your oven, as baking times can vary.

Variations and Swaps

Feel free to get creative with your candy cane cookies by incorporating different elements:

• Chocolate Twist: Substitute half of the flour for cocoa powder to create a chocolate dough.
• Nutty Addition: Add crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for an additional texture contrast.
• Dipped Cookies: Before the chocolate drizzle, dip the entire cookie in white chocolate for an indulgent twist.
• Peppermint Crystals: For those who love an extra minty kick, try adding crushed peppermint candies into the dough.

Storing Your Candy Cane Cookies

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the freshness and flavor of your cookies:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Refrigeration: If you want to prolong freshness, cookies can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze dough prior to baking for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Nutritional Insights

While candy cane cookies are certainly a festive treat, understanding their nutritional profile can help you enjoy them mindfully:

• Calories: Approximately 120 calories per cookie (depending on size).
• Sugars: They contain sugar, but the mint flavor allows for satisfaction with fewer santas.
• Fats: Butter adds fats, which can contribute to fulfilling cravings.

If you’re looking for a lighter dessert alternative, consider exploring other fun holiday recipes such as Baked Cranberry Brie Bites or festive Pumpkin Bars.

FAQs About Candy Cane Cookies

How do you make candy cane cookies more crunchy?

For crunchier cookies, bake them a little longer while keeping an eye on them to prevent burning. You can also consider reducing the moisture by cutting back on eggs slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

What should I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough feels dry or crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk or water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I use fresh peppermint instead of extract?

While fresh peppermint can work, it may alter the texture and moisture of the cookies. It is best to use peppermint extract for more potent flavoring.

In Conclusion

Baking candy cane cookies can become a joyful holiday tradition for you and your family. Not only do they bring a delicious minty flavor, but they also present beautifully and evoke the spirit of the holidays. With the right techniques, ingredients, and creativity, these cookies can become a staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.

So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get baking your own batch of candy cane cookies today. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family—they are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the season, and happy baking!

For further festive flavors, explore our seasonal articles on the Christmas Crack Recipe or check out our delicious Pumpkin Muffins for alternative treats this holiday season.