Let’s dive into the holiday spirit with these adorable and delicious candy cane cookies. Perfect for gifting or as a festive treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday table.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of peppermint and vanilla dough creates a visually stunning and tasty contrast.
- Simple ingredients come together to form a dough that’s easy to shape and bake.
- The cookies are perfect for holiday parties, offering a festive look without complicated techniques.
- They’re a great activity to do with kids, making holiday memories in the kitchen.
- The recipe allows for customization in flavors and colors, making it versatile for any holiday theme.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring, as needed
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed. The creaming process is crucial for creating a tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The extracts will give the cookies their signature holiday flavor, so make sure they’re well mixed into the batter.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as the flour disappears into the dough.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain for the vanilla portion. To the other half, add red food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve a vibrant red hue. This will create the candy cane’s iconic stripes.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take small pieces of each dough and roll them into ropes. Twist a red and a white rope together, then bend the top to form a candy cane shape. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
Tips and Tricks
For the best results, make sure your butter is properly softened to room temperature before creaming. This ensures a smooth dough. If the dough becomes too soft while working with it, chill it for 15 minutes to make shaping easier. To achieve even more vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. And remember, these cookies are all about the fun and festive appearance, so don’t stress over perfection—each unique cookie adds charm!
Recipe Variations
- For a chocolate twist, replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in half the dough.
- Add crushed candy canes to the dough for extra peppermint crunch.
- Use green food coloring instead of red for a Christmas tree theme.
- Dip the baked cookies in melted white chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Experiment with different extracts, like almond or orange, for unique flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping. Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to a month, making them perfect for holiday prep.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
If your cookies spread more than desired, it might be due to butter that’s too soft or warm. Ensuring your dough is chilled before baking can help maintain the candy cane shapes. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter is recommended for its superior flavor and texture. Margarine may alter the taste and consistency of the cookies, so if you do substitute, opt for a high-quality brand.
Summary
These candy cane cookies are a festive and fun addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their striking appearance and delightful peppermint flavor, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, they offer plenty of room for creativity, making them a perfect project for bakers of all levels.