Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. These cookies are not only visually stunning with their signature red and white stripes, but they also offer a burst of peppermint flavor that’s perfect for any festive occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting treats to friends and family, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique twist on traditional holiday favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The striking red and white colors make these cookies a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
• Delicious Flavor: With hints of buttery vanilla and refreshing peppermint, each bite is a flavorful experience.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just as a sweet snack during the winter months.
• Easy to Make: The straightforward ingredients and steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Fun to Decorate: You can personalize the glaze or add sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Candy Cane Cookies, gather some essential tools that will help streamline your process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• Parchment paper or Silpat mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool effortlessly combines ingredients to create a fluffy dough without much manual effort.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your cookie dough comes out perfectly every time.
• Plastic wrap: Helps keep cookie dough fresh while it chills in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe:

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 sticks of butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon of red food coloring

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Scrape down sides as needed.
3. Reduce mixer speed and gradually add in the flour and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough into two halves.
2. In the stand mixer bowl, combine one half with red food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

1. Shape each half of the cookie dough into discs.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Form Cookies

1. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Measure one tablespoon from each color of dough. Roll them into 6-inch long logs.
3. Twist the logs together carefully and transfer them onto parchment paper or Silpat lined baking sheets.

Step 5: Final Preparations Before Baking

1. Chill the shaped cookie dough for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.

Step 6: Add Glaze

1. While cookies are cooling, prepare your peppermint glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
2. Spoon glaze over cookies once they have cooled slightly.

Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Cookies! These treats will surely bring joy to your holiday celebrations!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve them and enhance your festive experience.

Festive Platter

• Arrange a colorful array of Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative platter. This visually appealing display will catch everyone’s eye and make for a great centerpiece.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate flavor complements the peppermint perfectly, making for a cozy treat.

Gift Boxes

• Package your Candy Cane Cookies in festive gift boxes or tins. This makes for a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will love during the holiday season.

Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your holiday party with various toppings, such as crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and chocolate chips. Guests can customize their own cookies for added fun.

Milk Dipping Station

• Create a milk dipping station with different types of milk, like chocolate or almond milk. This adds an interactive element to enjoying your Candy Cane Cookies.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

To ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfect every time, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it hold its shape during baking, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes better with sugar, leading to a fluffier texture in your cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfectly baked cookies.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; removing them when they are lightly golden will prevent overbaking.
• Let Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before adding glaze to help it stay intact.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

While Candy Cane Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses for a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Christmas Punch – A festive punch with fruity flavors pairs well and enhances the holiday spirit.
4. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
5. Spiced Nuts – Crunchy spiced nuts provide a nice texture contrast and savory note alongside the sweet cookies.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful combination with the cool peppermint flavor of the cookies.
7. Gingerbread Cake – The spiced flavors of gingerbread complement peppermint nicely during the holidays.
8. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookies for an extra layer of sweetness.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Candy Cane Cookies will be a hit at any festive gathering!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them:

• Ignoring the butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature for a fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Refrigerate the dough as directed for better shape.
• Forgetting to measure ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can alter the taste and texture. Use precise measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Baking on ungreased sheets: This could lead to sticking or uneven baking. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Place cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat cookies individually on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe that may help you:

What makes these Candy Cane Cookies special?

These cookies combine traditional flavors of peppermint with a delightful cookie texture, making them perfect for the holiday season.

Can I use other extracts in my Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla to create unique flavor profiles.

How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze my Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are stored properly in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored correctly, your Candy Cane Cookies will last about one week at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only nostalgic but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various flavors or toppings. Their delightful appearance and festive taste make them perfect for holiday gatherings. Try these charming cookies this season, and delight your loved ones!