why make this recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for the holiday season. Their festive colors and delightful peppermint flavor bring joy to any gathering. These cookies are fun to make with family, and they also make great gifts. Plus, they look beautiful on a cookie platter!
how to make Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Crushed candy canes (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half uncolored.
- Roll out small portions of each dough into long strips and twist them together to form a cane shape.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- If desired, sprinkle with crushed candy canes before serving.
how to serve Candy Cane Cookies
Serve Candy Cane Cookies on a festive plate during your holiday celebrations. They look lovely next to other treats and can be enjoyed with a warm drink like hot chocolate or coffee. These cookies also make a charming addition to gift baskets.
how to store Candy Cane Cookies
To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies for up to three months.
tips to make Candy Cane Cookies
- Ensure that your butter is soft enough to cream well with the sugars.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour to keep the cookies soft.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract according to your taste preference.
variation
You can try adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a different twist. You can also use green food coloring for a different color scheme or mix in nuts for added texture.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly.
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract for a less minty flavor.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for a longer period. Just remember to thaw it before baking.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened for easy creaming.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract Adjust according to taste preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extras
- Red and green food coloring For coloring the dough.
- Crushed candy canes Optional for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring and leave the other half uncolored.
Baking
- Roll out small portions of each dough into long strips and twist them together to form a cane shape.
- Place on ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
- If desired, sprinkle with crushed candy canes before serving.
