Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with my Candy Cane Cookies! These festive treats are easy to bake and perfect for sharing. In this guide, you’ll find a complete list of ingredients, helpful tips, and fun variations to make your holiday baking a breeze. Whether you’re new to baking or a pro, these cookies will bring joy to your home. Let’s create some delicious memories together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and candy canes creates a holiday flavor that is both refreshing and nostalgic.
- Fun to Make: Shaping the cookies into candy canes is a fun activity for both kids and adults, making it a great family baking project.
- Beautiful Presentation: The red and green colors make these cookies visually stunning, perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving.
- Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are a quick treat to whip up during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
Complete List of Ingredients
Here is what you need to make these candy cane cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
– ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
– Red and green food coloring
Alternatives for Common Ingredients
If you lack any ingredients, here are some easy swaps:
– Use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. Just skip the added salt.
– Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer flavor.
– You can replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes.
– If you don’t have peppermint extract, use almond extract for a different taste.
– You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Recommended Tools for Preparation
To make the process smooth, these tools will help:
– A large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
– A whisk for mixing dry ingredients
– A baking sheet lined with parchment paper
– A rolling pin for shaping the dough
– A wire rack to cool the cookies
– Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
These ingredients and tools will set you up for success in creating delicious candy cane cookies. Enjoy the fun of baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
– ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for topping)
– Red and green food coloring
Measure everything out first. This helps keep your work neat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix until it turns light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft cookie. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they blend well.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps your cookies tender.
Shaping Candy Cane Cookies
Divide the dough in half. In one half, add the peppermint extract and red food coloring. Stir until the color is even. In the second half, repeat with green food coloring.
Take a tablespoon from each color. Roll them into small logs, about 4 inches long. Now, twist the red and green logs together gently to form a candy cane shape. Place these onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
Before baking, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie. This adds a nice crunch and festive flair.
Baking Tips and Timing
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. When done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a special touch, arrange your cooled cookies on a festive platter. You can drizzle them with melted white chocolate and add more crushed candy canes. This makes your cookies not just tasty but also beautiful!
Tips & Tricks
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To make great candy cane cookies, avoid over-mixing the dough. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough. Also, be careful with the baking time. Too long in the oven can dry them out. Keep an eye on them! You want soft, chewy edges.
Secrets to the Perfect Texture
For a soft texture, use softened butter. Cream it well with the sugar until fluffy. This step adds air, making the cookies light. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can also help. It firms up the dough and makes it easier to shape.
How to Enhance Flavor
To boost flavor, use fresh peppermint extract. It packs a punch! You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. This warms up the taste and adds a nice twist. Finally, sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top before baking for extra sweetness.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: For easier handling, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This helps prevent the colors from blending too much.
- Use Fresh Candy Canes: For the best flavor and crunch, use freshly crushed candy canes. Old ones may lose some of their peppermint flavor and become stale.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to mix and match your food coloring to create different shades or patterns for your cookies, making them even more festive!
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them perfect for holiday sharing!
Variations
Gluten-Free Candy Cane Cookies
To make gluten-free candy cane cookies, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend has xanthan gum to help the cookies hold together. Use the same amount of gluten-free flour as regular flour. Follow the same steps in the recipe. These cookies will still taste great!
Chocolate-Filled Candy Cane Cookies
For a chocolate twist, add chocolate filling. After rolling the colored dough, flatten each piece. Place a small chocolate piece or chocolate chips in the center. Fold the dough over the chocolate and shape into a cane. Bake as usual. You’ll get a fun surprise inside each cookie!
Vegan Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
To make vegan candy cane cookies, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until thick. For butter, use vegan butter or coconut oil. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Your vegan cookies will still be festive and tasty!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Cookies
To keep your candy cane cookies fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps absorb excess moisture. You can store them at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Candy Cane Cookies
Freezing is a great option for candy cane cookies. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Taste
To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them gently without drying them out. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 10 to 15 seconds but be careful not to overheat. Enjoy the fresh taste and smell!
FAQs
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use mint extract. It has a similar flavor. You could also try anise or almond extract for a different twist. Each will change the taste a bit, so choose what you like.
How do I make the cookies more colorful?
To add more color, use more food coloring. You can also swirl colors together for a fun look. Another idea is to sprinkle colored sugar or nonpareils before baking. This adds extra sparkle and cheer to your cookies.
Can I use other flavors in the dough?
Yes, you can! Try adding orange or lemon zest for a citrus twist. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Just keep the peppermint extract in for that classic holiday taste.
How long do candy cane cookies last?
Candy cane cookies can last about a week at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day ahead. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it. You can also bake the cookies and store them in a container. They will still taste great when you are ready to enjoy them!
In this article, we explored how to make candy cane cookies from start to finish. We covered key ingredients, useful tools, and detailed steps for baking. You learned tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor. We also shared tasty variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions.
Now, you have all the tools to create delicious cookies that family and friends will love. Dive in, get baking, and enjoy the sweet reward
