Why Make This Recipe
Candy cane cookies are a delightful treat that not only taste great but also look festive. They are perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts. The combination of buttery cookie dough with a hint of peppermint will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Plus, their unique shape makes them fun to make and share!
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Making candy cane cookies is a straightforward process. You will be mixing, rolling, and twisting some colorful dough into fun shapes. Here’s a simple breakdown.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture and mix until combined.
- Divide dough in half. Tint one half with red food coloring.
- Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of each dough into ropes about 6 inches long.
- Twist one red rope and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
- Bake on a lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies are great to serve with hot cocoa or your favorite winter beverage. You can place them on a decorative plate for a festive touch. They also make excellent gifts when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
How to Store Candy Cane Cookies
To keep your candy cane cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips to Make Candy Cane Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best mixing.
- Use gel food coloring for a brighter and more vibrant red.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; you want them to be slightly soft in the center.
Variation
For a twist, you can add chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-peppermint mix. Alternatively, try using green food coloring instead of red for a different look!
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Just thaw it before rolling and baking.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can work, using unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture to the cookies.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can leave out the peppermint extract or replace it with more vanilla extract for a simpler flavor.
