Candy Cane Cookies are a festive delight, perfect for the holiday season! These cookies combine a buttery vanilla dough with a refreshing peppermint twist, all while showcasing a beautiful red-and-white swirl design that mimics the classic candy cane. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also provide a wonderfully sweet treat for your Christmas gatherings or as gifts. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Candy Cane Cookies. First, the festive design makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. They are also incredibly easy to make, allowing for family involvement in the kitchen. The combination of buttery vanilla and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful flavor profile, perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you call them Peppermint Cookies or Minty Cane Cookies, they are sure to please everyone, from kids to adults. Additionally, these cookies freeze well, making them ideal for preparing in advance. Lastly, they make wonderful gifts, beautifully wrapped in holiday packaging. Overall, these cookies are a must-have for your holiday baking!

Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring as needed

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined and smooth.
Step 3: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and knead until evenly colored.
Step 5: Wrap both doughs and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 6: Roll a small piece of red dough and a small piece of white dough into ropes, about 5 inches long.
Step 7: Twist the two ropes together and curve the top to shape like a candy cane.
Step 8: Place shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until just set.
Step 10: Cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Pro Tips for the Best Candy Cane Cookies

Keep these in mind:

These cookies are ideal for gifting, especially during the holiday season.
They freeze beautifully, allowing you to prepare them in advance for Christmas Candy Cookies.
Consider adding crushed candy canes on top before baking for an extra minty crunch.
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.

Best Ways to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

These delightful cookies can be served in various ways. They make for a stunning centerpiece on your holiday dessert table alongside other Festive Candy Cane Biscuits. For a fun twist, pair them with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. They also make great gifts when wrapped in decorative bags or boxes, perfect for sharing the holiday spirit with friends and family.

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How to Store and Reheat Candy Cane Cookies

To store your Candy Cane Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week, making them a great choice for meal prep during the busy holiday season. If you want to enjoy them later, simply freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Candy Cane Cookies?

The secret lies in using room temperature butter and ensuring that you chill the dough. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps maintain the cookie’s shape while baking.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and freeze it. Just thaw it before rolling and shaping, or bake and freeze the cookies for later enjoyment.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Candy Cane Cookies?

Be careful not to overbake them; they should be set but not browned. Also, ensure that you measure your flour correctly to avoid a dry texture.

Variations of Candy Cane Cookies You Can Try

There are many fun variations you can explore. For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into half the dough for a chocolate peppermint cookie. You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or vanilla, to create your unique flavor profiles. Finally, adding white chocolate chips can enhance the sweetness and provide a delightful contrast to the mint flavor.

For more holiday baking ideas, check out this great resource for festive treats!

Learn more about the benefits of baking with family and how it can create lasting memories.

Don’t forget to explore other cookie recipes that can complement your holiday celebrations!