Festive Candy Cane Cookies: A Holiday Delight to Bake

Candy cane cookies are the delightful, festive treat that makes you feel like a kid again. The moment you bite into one, the crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, buttery center bursting with minty goodness. They smell like winter magic and taste even better, making your holiday season feel complete.

Picture this: it’s Christmas Eve, the tree is twinkling, and the aroma of candy cane cookies fills the air. I remember baking these with my grandma while we laughed about how many sprinkles we could fit on one cookie. It became a tradition that brought us closer and made the holidays unforgettable.

I once brought these cookies to a holiday party, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. My cousin even tried to steal the last cookie off my plate!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious candy cane cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple for cookie recipes; ensure it’s properly measured for optimal texture.

• Baking Powder: This helps your cookies rise perfectly; don’t skip it!

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and a rich flavor.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough; you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together; ensure it’s at room temperature.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile; avoid imitation if possible.

• Peppermint Extract: This gives those iconic candy cane vibes; adjust to taste for stronger minty flavor.

• Crushed Candy Canes: For both flavor and decoration; choose vibrant red-and-white ones for visual appeal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking right from the start.

Prepare your baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking while baking.

Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.

Cream butter and sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light. This usually takes about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Add eggs and extracts: Beat in one egg along with vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing; you want soft cookies!

Fold in crushed candy canes: Gently fold in crushed candy canes using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough for that festive crunch.

Scoop onto prepared sheets: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the lined baking sheets about two inches apart.

Bake and cool: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on sheets briefly before transferring them to wire racks.

Drizzle with icing (optional): If desired, melt some white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle over cooled cookies for added sweetness!

And there you have it—deliciously festive candy cane cookies that will warm hearts during this holiday season! Happy baking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Chill the dough before shaping for easier handling and better texture in your Candy Cane Cookies.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or almond for a unique flavor twist. Add chocolate chips or crushed nuts to make these cookies truly yours!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them warm later, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Baking these Candy Cane Cookies always brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas during the holidays.

FAQ

How do I make my cookies softer?

To keep your Candy Cane Cookies soft, avoid overbaking and store them properly.

Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes, freeze them in an airtight container to enjoy later without losing freshness.

What can I substitute for peppermint extract?

Try using vanilla or almond extract if you prefer a different flavor profile in your Candy Cane Cookies.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Candy Cane Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that combines a crunchy exterior with a soft, buttery center and a burst of minty flavor. These festive delights not only evoke childhood memories but also bring joy to any holiday gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they can be customized to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or shared at festive parties, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas magic.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• ½ cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
7. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto prepared sheets, spaced two inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; cool on wire racks.
9. Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate for added sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg