The Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines festive charm with the perfect balance of sweetness and peppermint flavor. Twisting the red and white dough together is not only fun but also results in cookies that look just like classic candy canes. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike! Whether you’re enjoying these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or sharing them as gifts, they add a touch of holiday magic to any occasion. The crisp edges and soft centers make them utterly irresistible, and their peppermint crunch makes every bite memorable. Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with these delectable treats!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (360g)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (227g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 3 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Color one half with red food coloring, mixing until the color is even.
- Wrap both dough portions separately in plastic wrap, flatten into disks, and chill for 4 hours or until firm.
- Cut the chilled dough into 1-inch cubes. Roll each cube into a ball and then into a 5-inch-long rope.
- Twist one red rope with one white rope and shape it into a candy cane by curving one end.
- Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies appear dry.
- Immediately sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies. Cool on the baking sheet briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Calories: 126 kcal | Servings: 32 cookies
A Recipe Rooted in Holiday Traditions
Candy Cane Cookies trace their roots back to classic holiday baking traditions that celebrate the iconic candy cane. Originating as a symbol of the Christmas season, candy canes were first introduced in the 17th century as simple white sugar sticks. Over time, they evolved into the striped red-and-white pattern we recognize today, often flavored with peppermint. Bakers sought to replicate this festive design in cookie form, combining their love for sugar cookies and the timeless appeal of candy canes.
This recipe encapsulates the joy of Christmas in every bite. The process of shaping and twisting the dough is reminiscent of decorating a Christmas tree, where creativity and fun take center stage. These cookies not only bring joy to your taste buds but also add a decorative touch to your holiday cookie platters.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Festive Presentation
The vibrant red and white twist captures the holiday spirit like no other dessert. These cookies look stunning on a holiday dessert table or wrapped as gifts for loved ones. Their candy cane shape is sure to catch the eye and elicit compliments from guests. - Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. These cookies are subtly sweet, with a minty undertone that makes them stand out among other traditional holiday treats. - Family-Friendly Fun
Shaping and twisting the dough is a fun activity for bakers of all ages. Kids particularly enjoy rolling out the dough and curving it into candy cane shapes. It’s a hands-on way to involve the entire family in holiday preparations. - Customizable and Versatile
This recipe is easy to adapt to suit different preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can use plant-based butter and egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly. You can also experiment with different colors or flavors to create unique variations. - Make-Ahead Convenience
Candy Cane Cookies are ideal for advance preparation. The dough can be refrigerated or frozen, allowing you to bake fresh batches whenever you need them. This makes them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Candy Cane Cookies
While these cookies are an indulgent treat, making them at home offers several advantages over store-bought alternatives:
- No Artificial Additives
By using pure vanilla and peppermint extracts, as well as natural food coloring, you ensure that your cookies are free from artificial flavors and preservatives. - Control Over Ingredients
Homemade cookies allow you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients. You can use organic flour, unrefined sugar, or even gluten-free flour blends if needed. - Portion Customization
This recipe yields about 32 cookies, but you can easily scale it up or down depending on your needs. Smaller cookies are perfect for party favors, while larger ones make an impressive centerpiece for dessert spreads.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter and eggs at room temperature blend more seamlessly, resulting in a smoother dough and evenly baked cookies. - Measure Flour Correctly
Adding too much flour can make the cookies dense and difficult to shape. Always fluff your flour before measuring or use a kitchen scale for accuracy. - Chill the Dough Thoroughly
Chilling the dough ensures it is firm enough to roll and shape without cracking. If the dough becomes too soft while you’re working with it, simply return it to the fridge for 15-20 minutes. - Work One Cookie at a Time
Twisting and shaping each candy cane individually prevents the dough from drying out. Keep unused dough covered in plastic wrap to maintain its texture. - Experiment with Toppings
Crushed peppermint candies add a delightful crunch, but you can also use colored sanding sugar, sprinkles, or even edible glitter for extra flair.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the white dough for a chocolate-and-mint twist. - Colorful Candy Canes
Replace red food coloring with blue or green to create multicolored cookies that reflect your personal holiday aesthetic. - Almond-Infused Cookies
Swap peppermint extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough. - Gluten-Free Delight
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for cookies that everyone can enjoy.
Why Candy Cane Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
While these cookies are a quintessential Christmas treat, they’re versatile enough to suit other occasions as well. Their whimsical appearance makes them a hit at winter birthday parties or themed baby showers. They’re also fantastic as edible ornaments for your holiday tree—just thread a ribbon through the curve before the cookies cool completely.
These cookies make thoughtful, homemade gifts for neighbors, coworkers, or teachers. Pack them in festive tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a personal touch. Their visual appeal and delicious flavor ensure they’ll be appreciated by everyone on your list.
Hosting a Candy Cane Cookie Baking Party
Gathering friends and family for a baking session can turn the Candy Cane Cookie recipe into an event to remember. Set up a workstation with pre-chilled dough, rolling pins, and parchment-lined baking sheets. Provide toppings like crushed candies, colored sugars, and frosting for decorating.
This activity is especially popular with children, who love the creative process of twisting and shaping the dough. Serve hot cocoa and holiday music to complete the festive atmosphere.
Conclusion
Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of the season’s joy and togetherness. From their vibrant appearance to their delightful peppermint flavor, these cookies embody the magic of the holidays. Whether you’re baking them for a cozy family gathering or a large holiday party, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. The recipe is simple enough for novice bakers yet engaging enough for seasoned cooks looking to add a festive flair to their repertoire. With their make-ahead convenience and customizable options, Candy Cane Cookies are destined to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.