Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies Recipe will bring a festive spirit to your holiday gatherings. These delicious cookies are not just visually appealing with their red and white swirls but also offer a delightful peppermint flavor that everyone loves. Perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy at home, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appearance: The vibrant red and white colors make these cookies a showstopper on any dessert table.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint gives these cookies a unique taste that pairs perfectly with hot cocoa.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can successfully create these treats.
Perfect for Sharing: Yielding about 20 cookies, they are great for gifting or sharing with friends and family during the holidays.
Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed year-round, not just during the holiday season, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into our Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This tool makes it easy to mix dough until fluffy without much effort.
Parchment paper: It prevents cookies from sticking, ensuring they come off the baking sheet easily and reduces cleanup time.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.

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

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Mix until fluffy.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Slowly reduce mixer speed and add in flour and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half.
In one half, mix in red food coloring. Combine until fully integrated.
Shape both portions of dough into discs and wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit after chilling.
Measure one tablespoon of each color dough.
Gently roll each into 6-inch long log shapes.
Twist together both logs of cookie dough carefully.
Transfer them to a parchment paper or silicone-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Chill shaped cookie dough for an additional 15 minutes before baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden brown.

Step 5: Glaze Your Cookies

While cookies cool slightly, prepare your glaze by combining powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and enough milk to achieve desired consistency.
Spoon glaze over cooled cookies before serving.

With this delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, you’ll have a treat that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them! Enjoy your festive baking!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a festive spirit to any gathering. Here are some creative ways to serve these delicious cookies during the holiday season.

With Hot Cocoa

Pair your Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The rich chocolate complements the peppermint flavor perfectly, creating a cozy winter treat.

On a Dessert Platter

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful dessert platter alongside other holiday treats like fudge and gingerbread. This adds variety and visual appeal for guests.

Gift-Wrapped

Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbons. This makes a charming homemade gift for friends and family during the holiday season.

As Ice Cream Sandwiches

Use Candy Cane Cookies to create ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of peppermint or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for an extra special dessert.

With Coffee or Tea

Serve the cookies with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. The flavors of mint and chocolate blend well with both beverages, enhancing their taste.

At Cookie Exchanges

Bring your Candy Cane Cookies to cookie exchanges. They are sure to stand out among other baked goods, making them a favorite at any gathering.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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

Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough allows it to firm up, making it easier to shape into logs without sticking.
Use Quality Extracts: Invest in high-quality vanilla and peppermint extracts for more intense flavors in your cookies.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottom for optimal texture.
Experiment with Shapes: Get creative with your cookie shapes—try making hearts or stars in addition to traditional candy canes.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some tasty suggestions:

Eggnog: A classic holiday drink that pairs wonderfully with the minty flavor of Candy Cane Cookies.
Fruitcake: The rich spices in fruitcake complement the sweetness of the cookies, creating a balanced dessert experience.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, offers a savory contrast to the sugary treats.
Christmas Punch: A refreshing drink made with cranberry juice and soda can cleanse the palate between bites of sweet cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and pretzels makes for an interactive dessert experience alongside your cookies.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide crunch and saltiness that pair nicely with sweet treats like Candy Cane Cookies.
Mini Pies: Offer small servings of seasonal pies such as pumpkin or pecan as delightful companions to your cookies.
Marshmallow Treats: Soft marshmallow bars add a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with crunchy cookie bites.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane Cookies is a delightful experience, but beginners often make common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Ignoring butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Skipping chilling time: Not refrigerating the dough might cause the cookies to spread too much in the oven. Chill for at least one hour to maintain shape.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make the cookies tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender cookie.
Not measuring ingredients correctly: Improper measurements can alter the cookie’s texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
Baking on ungreased sheets: This can lead to sticking and uneven baking. Always line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Freeze cookies individually or in layers separated by parchment paper.
They will last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat one cookie on low power for 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Using margarine may alter the taste and texture of your Candy Cane Cookies. For best results, stick with real butter.

What can I substitute for peppermint extract?

If you don’t have peppermint extract, try using almond extract or vanilla extract as alternatives, though they will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even sprinkle festive toppings before baking for variation.

What’s the best way to decorate Candy Cane Cookies?

Use a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, drizzled over cooled cookies. You can also add crushed candy canes on top for extra flair!

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it with different flavors or decorations according to your taste. Whether you’re making them for Christmas or just because, these cookies will surely bring joy and warmth to any occasion.

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Candy Cane Cookies

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with our delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies showcase a beautiful swirl of red and white, making them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. Infused with the refreshing flavors of peppermint and vanilla, they are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply as a cozy treat at home. With easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients, even novice bakers can create these scrumptious delights. Each batch yields about 20 cookies that are not only delicious but also versatile enough to enjoy year-round. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these classic treats that will bring cheer to your celebrations!

Ingredients

Scale

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Instructions

In a stand mixer, cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts; mix well.
Gradually add flour and salt until combined. Divide dough in half; color one half with red food coloring.
Chill both dough portions for at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of each color into logs, twist together, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottoms.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American