Candy Cane Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are festive, fun, and perfect for the holiday season. Their vibrant red and white twisted shapes resemble classic candy canes, making them a cheerful addition to any Christmas cookie platter. These cookies boast a delightful buttery flavor with a hint of peppermint, creating a sweet, refreshing taste. They’re easy to make, fun to shape, and a wonderful activity to share with family and friends during the holidays.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Peppermint extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Red food coloring

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
  6. Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored.
  7. Take a small piece of red dough and a small piece of plain dough, rolling each into 4-5 inch ropes.
  8. Place the ropes side by side, gently twist them together, and shape them into a candy cane.
  9. Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
  11. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
  • Extra Peppermint: Add crushed candy canes to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
  • Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the red dough for a chocolate-mint flavor.
  • Colored Sugar: Sprinkle colored sugar over the cookies before baking for added sparkle.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Freezing: Freeze the unbaked twisted dough shapes on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.

FAQs

Candy Cane Cookies

How do I prevent the dough from cracking while shaping?

Make sure the dough is not too dry. If needed, knead it slightly to make it more pliable.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before shaping.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring works well and requires less to achieve vibrant colors.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the shaped cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking to help retain their shape.

Can I add flavor extracts other than peppermint?

Absolutely! Almond or lemon extracts can provide a delicious twist.

Why did my cookies turn brown on the edges?

They may have been baked too long. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure to mix thoroughly for even color distribution.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They have a tender, slightly crisp texture but are not hard.

How do I achieve a bright red color without using too much dye?

Using gel food coloring helps achieve vibrant colors with less product.

Can I decorate the cookies after baking?

Yes, you can drizzle them with white chocolate or add icing for extra decoration.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies are a festive, flavorful treat that’s perfect for holiday baking. Their charming appearance and refreshing peppermint taste make them a holiday favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy at home, these delightful cookies are sure to bring cheer to your celebrations.

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Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday favorite, featuring a buttery, tender dough twisted into the shape of candy canes with red and white stripes. With a hint of peppermint flavor and a slight crunch, they’re perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or leaving out for Santa!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Red food coloring
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
  • 12 teaspoons crushed peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
  5. Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and tint the other half red with food coloring, kneading until the color is even.
  6. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes if it’s too soft to handle.
  7. To shape the cookies, take a small piece (about 1 teaspoon) of each color, roll each into a rope about 4–5 inches long.
  8. Twist the ropes together gently and curve one end to form a candy cane shape.
  9. Place on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
  10. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
  11. While still warm, sprinkle with granulated sugar and crushed peppermint candies (if using) for extra sparkle and flavor.
  12. Cool completely on wire racks before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
  • Be gentle when twisting the dough to prevent breakage.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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