Oh, the magic of the holiday season! There’s just something about baking that fills the air with warmth and joy, don’t you think? When I whip up a batch of Christmas Candy Cane Cookies, it’s like a little slice of festive cheer right in my kitchen. The smell of buttery dough mixed with a hint of peppermint is utterly irresistible! I remember the first time I made these cookies with my kids; we had flour everywhere and laughed so hard trying to shape them. Trust me, the joy of sharing these delicious, adorable candy cane-shaped cookies with friends and family is one of the best parts of the holidays. They’re a true treat that brings everyone together!
Ingredients for Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these festive delights! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookies, giving them structure and that perfect chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little leavener helps your cookies rise just enough to be light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s soft but not melted—this creates a rich, creamy base for your dough.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: This adds that sweet, melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love in cookies!
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor that just screams “holiday baking!”
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract: This gives your cookies that classic candy cane flavor—feel free to adjust it if you want a stronger minty kick!
- Red food coloring: This is for making those adorable red stripes. Add as much or as little as you like to get the perfect shade!
- Granulated sugar for coating: This adds a little sparkle and sweetness to the outside of your cookies.
With these ingredients in hand, you’ll be well on your way to making some delightful Christmas Candy Cane Cookies that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
Getting ready to make these adorable Christmas Candy Cane Cookies is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out just right.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will be the base of your cookie dough.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This may take a couple of minutes, but it’s worth it for that creamy texture!
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until you see no dry flour!
- Now, divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring, mixing until you achieve your desired shade. It’s like bringing a little holiday magic to your dough!
- For each cookie, take a small piece of each color—about a teaspoon each. Roll them into ropes, then twist them together gently. This is where the fun begins!
- Shape the twisted dough into a candy cane. Bend the top slightly to create that iconic hook shape.
- Place your candy cane cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them to allow for spreading.
- Sprinkle granulated sugar over the cookies for that sweet, sparkly finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the edges. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect balance of soft and slightly crisp!
- Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly, and soon enough, you’ll be sharing these delightful Christmas Candy Cane Cookies with family and friends!
Tips for Success
If you want your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies to be the star of your holiday dessert table, I’ve got some handy tips to help you nail it every time!
- Dough Consistency: Make sure your dough is soft but not too sticky. If it feels too wet, you can add a bit more flour—just a tablespoon at a time. You want it to hold its shape when you twist those ropes!
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into those cute candy canes.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies! Every oven is different, so check them at the 10-minute mark. You want them lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center—trust me, they’ll firm up as they cool!
- Decorative Touches: For a festive flair, consider sprinkling crushed candy canes on top of your cookies right after baking for an extra pop of holiday cheer!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to play with the peppermint extract! If you want a stronger mint flavor, just add a little more. You can also swap it out for other extracts like almond or vanilla for a different twist!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfectly festive and delicious Christmas Candy Cane Cookies that everyone will want to devour!
Variations of Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
If you’re ready to get a little creative with your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies, I’ve got some fun variations that can take your holiday baking to the next level! Here are some delightful twists you can try:
- Chocolate Peppermint: Add about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to your dough for a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the peppermint. You could even drizzle some melted chocolate on top after they cool for that extra indulgence!
- Almond Joy: Swap the peppermint extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. You could also sprinkle chopped almonds on top of the cookies before baking to give them a delightful crunch!
- Red Velvet Candy Canes: For a fun twist, mix in some cocoa powder to the dough where you add red food coloring. You’ll get a chocolatey base with festive red stripes that looks stunning on a holiday platter!
- Smaller Bites: If you want to make mini candy canes, simply roll smaller pieces of dough. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings and add a sweet touch to dessert tables!
- Crushed Candy Cane Topping: After baking, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive crunch and a pop of color. It adds a nice texture and extra peppermint flavor that’s super festive!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas—baking is all about having fun! These variations will keep your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies fresh and exciting every time you whip up a batch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve baked a delightful batch of Christmas Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Storing: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, place them in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve added any decorative toppings like crushed candy canes.
- Shelf Life: When stored properly, your cookies will stay fresh for about 1 week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them so you can enjoy them later!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive that fresh-baked taste!
With these storage tips, you can savor the joy of your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies long after they’re baked, making the holiday spirit last even longer!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful Christmas Candy Cane Cookies! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so consider this more of a guideline than a hard and fast rule. Here’s a typical breakdown per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a festive treat, so enjoy them as part of your holiday celebrations! Just remember, everything in moderation, especially during the joyful season of indulging in sweet treats!
FAQ about Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While I recommend unsalted butter for the best flavor, you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
No worries! You can substitute with more vanilla extract for a different but still delicious flavor. Or try almond extract for a nutty twist!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping your cookies.
Can I freeze these cookies after baking?
Yes! Once they’re cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
They’re done when they’re lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft right out of the oven!
Can I add decorations on top?
Absolutely! Crushed candy canes, sprinkles, or even a drizzle of chocolate can make your cookies extra festive and fun!
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, freezing is the way to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up these delightful cookies in no time, even if you’re new to baking!
- Festive Flair: The candy cane shape and bright red stripes make these cookies perfect for holiday gatherings and add a cheerful touch to any dessert table.
- Aromatic Bliss: The combination of buttery dough and peppermint will fill your kitchen with an irresistible holiday scent that everyone will love!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or decorations to suit your taste, whether you want extra minty goodness or a chocolate twist!
- Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit at parties, and they make wonderful gifts for friends and family—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
For more festive recipes, check out this collection of Christmas cookies!
Print
Christmas Candy Cane Cookies That Will Melt Your Heart
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive cookies shaped like candy canes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- red food coloring
- granulated sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring.
- For each cookie, take a small piece of each color, roll into ropes, and twist together.
- Shape into a candy cane.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can adjust the peppermint flavor to your taste.
- Use crushed candy canes for decoration if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas, Candy Cane, Cookies, Holiday Treats