“Bite into the holiday season with these whimsical Candy Cane Cookies!”
These Candy Cane Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a celebration captured in sweet, minty bites. Each cookie is not just a delight to eat but a joy to make, especially with family and friends during the holidays. The vibrant red and white stripes reminiscent of traditional candy canes bring a festive flair to your dessert table. With the simple yet irresistible combination of buttery dough and crunchy candy cane pieces, this recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Table of Contents
What Makes Candy Cane Cookies a Holiday Must-Have?
With their unique flavor profile and festive appearance, Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday favorite.
These cookies embody the essence of the season, combining peppermint’s refreshing taste with a rich buttery cookie base. Their vibrant colors evoke the joy of the holidays, making them an ideal choice for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a treat for yourself while cozying up with a holiday movie. The sweetness of the cookie balanced with the crunch of crushed candy canes creates a delightful contrast, ensuring that each bite is filled with seasonal cheer. Adding to their allure, this recipe is straightforward and family-friendly, so Whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones! Try these Christmas Cranberry Pinwheels for an extra festive touch as well!
What Makes This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe Unique?
These Candy Cane Cookies stand out from the classics.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
This recipe calls for a blend of simple, readily available ingredients that work harmoniously to create a cookie that’s tender yet slightly chewy. Unlike other recipes that may require additional steps or complex processes, this no-fuss recipe invites everyone into the kitchen, allowing you to embrace the spirit of baking together. Using both vanilla and almond extracts effectively balances the flavors, enhancing the cookie’s overall appeal. Adding crushed candy canes not only elevates the flavor but also introduces a satisfying crunch!
Perfect for Sharing
The festive hues and whimsical shapes of these cookies make them ideal for sharing, gifting, or decorating your holiday table. They’re sure to catch the eye of family and friends, creating lasting impressions that go beyond taste. The playful hook shape of the cookies suggests tradition, making them excellent conversation starters at gatherings. Plus, you can easily customize your batch with varying amounts of crushed candy canes, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred level of sweetness.
A Taste of Tradition with a Modern Twist
These cookies bring classic holiday flavors into a fun shape! They’re perfect for reimagining the traditional peppermint flavor that so many love. They evoke memories of winter wonderlands and warm gatherings around the fireplace. Discover the charm and warmth of sharing these delightful cookies at your upcoming festivities! Check out these Ooey Gooey Butter Cookies for a soft delight!
What Ingredients Do You Need for Candy Cane Cookies?
More than just flour and butter, these cookies come together with well-thought-out ingredients for a delightful experience.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Almond extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Candy canes, crushed | 1/4 cup |
By using unsalted butter, you can control the overall saltiness of your cookies while allowing the sweetness of the candy canes to shine through. The granulated sugar enhances the cookie’s tenderness, while those extra flavoring extracts, vanilla and almond, deliver aromatic splendor with every bite. Finally, the crushed candy canes provide both visual appeal and a delightful minty crunch!
How Do You Make Candy Cane Cookies Step-by-Step?
Follow these simple steps to create your perfectly whimsical Candy Cane Cookies.
Your holiday baking just got a lot easier!
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy; this should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Nutritional Value (per cookie) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 160 calories |
Step 3
Beat in the egg, along with the vanilla and almond extracts, until well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cookie’s lovely texture.
As you complete this mix, gently fold in the crushed candy canes until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Now comes the fun part, shaping the cookies! Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll them into balls and then gently shape them into a hook or cane shape on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie for spreading.
What Are Some Fun Variations and Serving Ideas for Candy Cane Cookies?
These cookies are customizable to fit preferences and occasions!
Diet Swap
For a gluten-free alternative, try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can still achieve the same taste and texture!
Flavor Variation
Looking to shake things up? Add a bit of peppermint extract or some white chocolate chips to the dough. This twist adds extra creaminess and a burst of delicious flavor that’s sure to captivate any crowd.
Serving Idea
These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, enjoy served with hot cocoa, or alongside roasted chestnuts for a cozy evening. Stack them in a festive tin for a lovely gift idea!
| Suggested Pairings | Tips |
|---|---|
| Hot Chocolate | Serve warm cookies for an unforgettable experience. |
| Eggnog | Complement the sweet taste of the cookies with a spiced drink. |
| Fruitcake | The mix of textures makes for a delightful plate. |
Final Thoughts on Your Candy Cane Cookies Journey
Making Candy Cane Cookies is as joyful as it is delicious! They embody the spirit of the season and are sure to bring smiles to all who taste them. As you store them in a festive tin or plate, remember that these cookies don’t just satisfy the sweet tooth but also create connection and memory. Share the love, and make big batches to gift to friends and family, you’ll keep spreading joy! Remember to capture your cookie creations and share them on your favorite Pinterest boards! Let’s pin these delightful Candy Cane Cookies on Pinterest!
FAQ
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store your leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If storing for longer, keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the formed cookie dough balls before baking. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Are Candy Cane Cookies suitable for kids to make?
Yes, this is a kid-friendly recipe! It’s straightforward enough for little hands to help with shaping and decorating the cookies while gaining valuable baking skills.
Can I use other types of candy in these cookies?
Indeed! Feel free to experiment with crushed peppermint candies, chocolate pieces, or even sprinkles for a festive twist.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you’re not fond of almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of extra vanilla extract or use lemon extract for a zesty flavor.
Candy Cane Cookies
Dive into the festive spirit with these delightful Candy Cane Cookies, perfect for the holiday season.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
- Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form tablespoon-sized portions of dough and shape them into a hook or cane shape on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
These cookies are customizable; try adding peppermint extract or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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