Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings a festive spirit to any occasion. With their bright red and white colors and refreshing peppermint flavor, these cookies not only look beautiful but also taste amazing. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home, they are sure to become a favorite during the Christmas season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe features straightforward steps that even novice bakers can follow with ease.
• Festive Appearance: The striking red and white colors make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: Infused with peppermint, these cookies offer a refreshing taste that captures the essence of Christmas.
• Versatile Treat: They are great for sharing as gifts or serving at parties, making them an excellent addition to your holiday repertoire.
• Fun to Decorate: Optional sprinkles and peppermint crunch allow for creative decoration, adding a personal touch to each cookie.

Tools and Preparation

To create these Candy Cane Cookies, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Ruler (for equal-sized ropes)
• Wire rack

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools save time and effort in creaming butter and sugar together for fluffy dough.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep dry ingredients separate from wet ones, ensuring thorough mixing.
• Baking sheets: A good quality baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents cookies from sticking.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These help in easy cleanup and prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 2 3/4 cups (358g) all-purpose flour
– 2 tbsp cornstarch
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp peppermint extract
– Red gel icing color
– Sprinkles or peppermint crunch, optional

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by combining the following ingredients in a medium-sized bowl:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cornstarch
3. Baking soda
4. Baking powder
5. Salt

Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together:
1. The room temperature unsalted butter
2. The granulated sugar

Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add one egg, along with:
1. Vanilla extract
2. Peppermint extract

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the creamed mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together; be careful not to over mix.

Step 5: Color the Dough

Divide the cookie dough into two equal halves. Color one half with some red gel icing color, kneading it gently until you achieve an even shade.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate both halves of dough for about 2–3 hours to firm up, making it easier to shape later on.

Step 7: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies

Take small portions (about one teaspoon) of each colored dough:
1. Roll each portion into a rope about five inches long.
2. Place one white rope alongside one red rope.
3. Gently twist them together starting from one end to form a candy cane shape.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place twisted cookies on lined baking sheets, curving one end to create the candy cane hook.
Press some optional sprinkles or peppermint crunch onto the fronts of each cookie before baking them for about 5–7 minutes.

Step 10: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about ten minutes before transferring them to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 11: Store Your Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed within 4–5 days but can be frozen for up to a month!

Enjoy your festive Candy Cane Cookies this holiday season!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or packaging them as gifts, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with festive decorations to add a cheerful touch to your holiday table.

Gift Bags

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons. This makes for a thoughtful and sweet gift for friends and family.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve these cookies alongside steaming cups of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.

Cookie Decoration Station

• Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles, allowing guests, especially kids, to personalize their own cookies before enjoying them.

Holiday Cookie Swap

• Organize a cookie swap where everyone brings their favorite holiday cookies, including your Candy Cane Cookies, for a fun and tasty exchange.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Perfecting Candy Cane Cookies is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for 2-3 hours makes it easier to handle and results in better shape retention during baking.
• Use gel food coloring: Gel colors provide vibrant hues without adding too much liquid to the dough, ensuring your cookies hold their shape.
• Measure accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and sugar to avoid altering the texture of your cookie dough.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Curl the tops: For that classic candy cane look, make sure to curve the top of each twisted cookie slightly before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their festive spirit. Here’s a list of perfect pairings for your holiday spread.

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint that matches the flavor profile of your cookies.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Platter: A fresh assortment of seasonal fruits like oranges, pomegranates, and berries adds color and balance.
4. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses alongside nuts and dried fruits for an elegant touch that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and sugar offer a crunchy contrast that complements the soft texture of the cookies.
6. Christmas Punch: A non-alcoholic punch made with cranberry juice, ginger ale, and fresh fruit adds festivity and refreshment alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect Ingredient Measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dough that is too dry or too wet. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can make cookies tough. Blend only until the ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Failing to refrigerate the dough can result in cookies that spread too much while baking. Chill the dough for 2-3 hours for better shape retention.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cooking time and cookie texture. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) before baking.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Moving cookies too soon from the baking sheet can cause them to break. Allow them to cool on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
• They can be frozen for about a month without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat cookies for about 10-15 seconds. This helps retain moisture and softness.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, covered, and warm for just a few minutes until they’re soft again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Candy Cane Cookies?

Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats made from a sweet dough flavored with peppermint, shaped into candy cane forms, and often decorated with sprinkles.

How do I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips or nuts to your dough or use different colors of gel icing for variety. Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding different extracts!

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for baking, ensuring that you achieve similar texture and taste.

How long does it take to prepare Candy Cane Cookies?

The total time required is approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes, including chilling time. Plan accordingly for best results!

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies not only bring holiday cheer but also offer endless customization options! From adjusting flavors to decorating as you wish, these cookies are perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying at home. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how delightful they turn out!