These festive candy cane cookies are a delightful treat for the holiday season. With their signature red and white stripes, they not only look charming but also taste delicious with a hint of peppermint.
This recipe is simple and perfect for baking with family or friends. You can enjoy these cookies as a sweet snack or package them as gifts during the holidays.
Festive Appearance
The vibrant red and white stripes of candy cane cookies instantly evoke the spirit of the holiday season. Their charming design makes them a delightful addition to any festive gathering.
Arranged on a decorative plate, these cookies create a cheerful display that captures the essence of Christmas. The addition of crushed candy canes not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch.
Perfect for Sharing
These cookies are not just a treat for yourself; they are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their festive look makes them an ideal gift during the holidays.
Whether packaged in a decorative box or served on a platter, candy cane cookies are sure to bring smiles to those who receive them. They can be enjoyed at holiday parties or as a sweet surprise for neighbors.
Simple Preparation
Making candy cane cookies is a straightforward process that can be enjoyed by bakers of all skill levels. The dough is easy to work with, allowing for creative shapes and designs.
With just a few ingredients, including butter, sugar, and peppermint extract, you can whip up a batch in no time. The process of twisting the dough into candy cane shapes adds a fun element to baking.
Delightful Flavor
The buttery dough, infused with peppermint extract, creates a delicious flavor that perfectly complements the festive appearance. Each bite offers a hint of minty freshness that is synonymous with the holiday season.
Sprinkling crushed candy canes on top adds an extra layer of sweetness and a pop of color, making these cookies not only tasty but also visually appealing.
Holiday Atmosphere
When these cookies are displayed against a backdrop of holiday decorations, they contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The combination of their festive colors and the surrounding decor creates a joyful setting.
Whether enjoyed at a holiday gathering or during a cozy night in, candy cane cookies enhance the festive spirit and bring a sense of cheer to any occasion.
Fun for Everyone
Baking candy cane cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family. Kids will love helping to shape the cookies and sprinkle the candy canes on top.
This shared experience not only creates delicious treats but also fosters cherished memories during the holiday season. It’s a wonderful way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.
Easy Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
These candy cane cookies are made with a buttery dough flavored with peppermint extract, shaped into candy cane forms, and baked to perfection. The recipe yields about 24 cookies and takes around 1 hour from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and peppermint extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other half, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies: Take small pieces of each dough and roll them into ropes about 6 inches long. Twist one red and one plain rope together and shape them into a candy cane.
- Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish: While still warm, sprinkle the cookies with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 16g