Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe are the perfect festive treat for any occasion. Their vibrant colors and delightful peppermint flavor make them a favorite during the holiday season. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike with their charming appearance and delicious taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookies
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Color the Dough
• Step 3: Chill the Dough
• Step 4: Preheat Oven
• Step 5: Shape the Cookies
• Step 6: Final Chilling
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Prepare Glaze
• Step 9: Glaze Cookies
• How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• With a Warm Beverage
• As Holiday Gifts
• For Festive Gatherings
• With Ice Cream
• How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different extracts in my Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
• How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies more festive?
• Can I make this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
• What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: The red and white swirls of these cookies bring a cheerful holiday spirit to any gathering.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delightful treats.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are an excellent choice for holiday gift baskets or cookie swaps, making them a thoughtful homemade present.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a unique flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting.
• Fun Decorating Options: You can add your personal touch with various glazes or toppings, making each batch unique.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Candy Cane Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Parchment paper or Silpat baking mats
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer makes it easy to cream butter and sugar until fluffy, ensuring a light cookie texture.
• Parchment paper or Silpat: These help prevent sticking, allowing for easy removal of your cookies after baking.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

For the Cookies

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

Step 2: Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough in half.
2. In one half, add the red food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

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

Step 4: Preheat Oven

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

1. Measure one tablespoon of each color dough.
2. Roll each into 6-inch long log shapes gently.
3. Twist the two logs together and transfer them to a parchment paper or Silpat-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Final Chilling

Chill shaped cookie dough on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are a very light golden brown.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

While your cookies are baking, prepare the peppermint glaze by mixing together the remaining powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.

Step 9: Glaze Cookies

After cookies cool slightly, spoon over each cookie with glaze for an extra festive touch.

Enjoy your delicious Candy Cane Cookies!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Serving your Candy Cane Cookies can be as festive as the cookies themselves. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

With a Warm Beverage

• Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with a rich cup of hot chocolate for a classic winter treat.
• Peppermint Tea: The minty flavor complements the cookies perfectly, offering a refreshing balance.

As Holiday Gifts

• Gift Boxes: Present your Candy Cane Cookies in decorative boxes tied with a ribbon for a personal touch.
• Cookie Jars: Layer the cookies in glass jars for an attractive and thoughtful gift.

For Festive Gatherings

• Cookie Platter: Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies on a platter alongside other holiday treats for a vibrant display.
• Dessert Table: Include them as part of a larger dessert table at parties, adding color and flavor variety.

With Ice Cream

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create delightful ice cream sandwiches, perfect for any sweet tooth.
• Scoop of Vanilla: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an indulgent dessert.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Candy Cane Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain its shape while baking.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes it easier to cream with powdered sugar, resulting in fluffy cookies.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies; overworking the dough can lead to density.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: To prevent over-baking, check cookies a minute or two before the recommended time.
• Experiment with Glaze Thickness: Adjust milk in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency—thinner for drizzling, thicker for spreading.
• Store Properly: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

While these Candy Cane Cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded holiday treat spread. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas.

1. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits or marshmallows pairs beautifully with peppermint flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds freshness.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can contrast nicely with the sugary flavors and offer savory options.
4. Spiced Nuts: Crunchy spiced nuts bring warmth and texture that complements the cookie’s softness.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide a creamy texture that enhances your dessert table.
6. Holiday Punch: A festive punch adds cheer and refreshment, making it easy to sip while enjoying sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step – Chilling your dough is crucial for the texture and shape of the cookies. If you skip this, your cookies may spread too much while baking.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, so using improper measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to maintain a soft texture.
• Ignoring baking time – Each oven varies, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Pull them out when they’re lightly golden on the bottom.
• Using stale ingredients – Freshness matters! Ensure your baking powder and extracts are fresh for the best flavor and rise.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough in logs for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5 minutes for freshness.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up.
• Stovetop – Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe:

Can I use different extracts in my Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?

Yes! You can use almond extract or vanilla extract instead of peppermint if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make my Candy Cane Cookies more festive?

Consider adding crushed candy canes on top of the glaze or adding colorful sprinkles for extra holiday cheer!

Can I make this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?

If your dough crumbles, try adding a little bit of milk or water, one teaspoon at a time, until it holds together.

Final Thoughts

The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. They bring joy during the holidays and can be customized with various flavors and decorations. Try them out this season; your family will love these festive treats!