Name: Candy Cane Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 egg; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Red food coloring gel; 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Candy Cane Cookies are a quintessential holiday treat that blends the buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. Their iconic red and white swirls evoke the spirit of Christmas, making them a festive favorite for all ages. These cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Shaping the dough into candy canes is a fun activity for the whole family, creating memories as sweet as the cookies themselves. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are a must-have addition to your Christmas traditions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

1 egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring gel
2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg on low speed until just combined.
Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt to form the dough.

Divide the dough in half, leaving one half plain and tinting the other half with red food coloring gel. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an ungreased sheet.
To form cookies, take one teaspoon of each dough color. Roll each into a 5-inch rope. Place the ropes side by side, twist them together gently, and shape into a candy cane form.

Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a mixture of crushed peppermint candies and sugar over the top.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 115 kcal per cookie
Servings: Makes about 24 cookies

A Festive Holiday Treat for All Ages

When it comes to Christmas baking, few treats capture the spirit of the season quite like Candy Cane Cookies. With their striking red-and-white swirl design, these cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious. But beyond their festive appearance, Candy Cane Cookies hold a special place in many hearts, evoking memories of family traditions, cozy holiday kitchens, and the joy of creating something delightful together.

The History of Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies trace their inspiration back to the classic candy cane, a symbol of Christmas joy and tradition. The candy cane itself is steeped in holiday lore, believed to have originated in the 17th century when a German choirmaster handed out sugar sticks to children during church services. Over time, these simple confections evolved into the iconic red-and-white striped canes we recognize today.

The idea of transforming this beloved candy into a cookie likely arose in the mid-20th century when home bakers sought creative ways to bring holiday cheer to their dessert tables. Combining the buttery texture of sugar cookies with a hint of peppermint flavor, Candy Cane Cookies became a festive staple, gracing countless cookie exchanges and holiday gatherings.

Why Candy Cane Cookies are Special

What sets Candy Cane Cookies apart from other holiday treats is their unique combination of appearance, flavor, and sentiment. The striking red-and-white twist is not only festive but also reflects the care and creativity that go into shaping each cookie. The hint of peppermint adds a refreshing burst of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the buttery dough.

These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a labor of love. Rolling and twisting the dough takes a bit of time and patience, but the process itself is part of the charm. For many families, making Candy Cane Cookies is a cherished holiday tradition, a chance to gather in the kitchen, share stories, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tips for Making Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

While the recipe for Candy Cane Cookies is relatively straightforward, a few key tips can help ensure success:

Chill the Dough: Since the dough needs to be shaped by hand, chilling it is essential to prevent it from becoming too sticky or soft. If the dough starts to warm up as you work, simply pop it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes.

Use Gel Food Coloring: To achieve the vibrant red hue without altering the texture of the dough, gel food coloring is the way to go. It’s more concentrated than liquid food coloring, allowing you to use less.
Shape with Care: Rolling the dough into even ropes and twisting them gently is the secret to creating beautifully uniform candy cane shapes. A light touch is key to preventing the ropes from breaking or unraveling.
Sprinkle While Warm: Adding the crushed peppermint topping immediately after the cookies come out of the oven ensures that it adheres to the surface, enhancing both the flavor and appearance.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic red-and-white design is iconic, there’s plenty of room for creativity when it comes to Candy Cane Cookies. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:

Color Swaps: Experiment with different colors to match other holidays or themes. For example, use green instead of red for a wintry look, or try pink and blue for a whimsical touch.
Flavor Twists: While peppermint is traditional, you can try other extracts like almond, vanilla, or even citrus for a unique flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Options: For those with dietary restrictions, substitute gluten-free flour to create a cookie everyone can enjoy.
Dipped Ends: Dip the curved ends of the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

The Joy of Sharing

Candy Cane Cookies are a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. Their festive appearance makes them a standout addition to cookie platters, gift boxes, and dessert tables. They’re also ideal for cookie exchanges, where their unique look and nostalgic flavor are sure to be a hit.

For those who love giving homemade gifts, Candy Cane Cookies can be packaged in clear cellophane bags tied with a festive ribbon or arranged in decorative tins. Include a handwritten note with the recipe for an extra personal touch.

A Recipe for Making Memories

What truly makes Candy Cane Cookies special is the experience of making them. For families, the process of rolling, twisting, and shaping the dough can become a treasured holiday tradition. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy each other’s company, and create something beautiful together.

Baking these cookies can also be a wonderful activity to share with children. While little ones might need some help with the more delicate shaping, they’ll love rolling the dough ropes and sprinkling the peppermint topping. The joy and pride they feel in contributing to the holiday baking will make the cookies taste even sweeter.

Conclusion:

Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a festive dessert; they’re a celebration of everything that makes the holidays special family, tradition, creativity, and the joy of giving. Whether you’re baking them for the first time or continuing a beloved tradition, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who sees and tastes them.

As you roll, twist, and sprinkle your way to a batch of Candy Cane Cookies, take a moment to savor the experience. The holidays are about more than the treats we share; they’re about the memories we create along the way. So gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the sweet magic of Candy Cane Cookies fill your kitchen with the spirit of the season.