Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect treat for the holiday season. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe combines rich buttery flavor with a refreshing peppermint twist, making it a festive favorite. Whether for family gatherings, holiday parties, or cookie exchanges, these cookies stand out with their delightful appearance and taste.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
• For the Glaze
• How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients
• Step 3: Color the Dough
• Step 4: Chill the Dough
• Step 5: Preheat Oven
• Step 6: Shape Cookies
• Step 7: Bake
• Step 8: Add Peppermint Glaze
• How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• With Hot Chocolate
• On a Cookie Platter
• As a Gift
• With Ice Cream
• At Holiday Parties
• How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?
• What variations can I try with this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?
• How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
• Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The red and white twisted design of these cookies makes them visually appealing, perfect for any holiday table.
• Delicious Flavor: Combining vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a unique flavor profile that delights everyone.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.
• Versatile Enjoyment: These cookies are great for Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, and even as gifts.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss a step in this delicious Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat
• Plastic wrap
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless while ensuring thorough mixing.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper or Silpat mat: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of baked cookies.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies require just a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home.

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 2: Mix in Dry Ingredients

1. Reduce the mixer speed and add in flour and salt. Mix until combined.
2. Once incorporated, divide the dough in half.

Step 3: Color the Dough

1. In the stand mixer bowl, add red food coloring to one half of the cookie dough. Mix until evenly colored.
2. Shape each color of dough into discs. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate both discs for at least one hour or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

1. Measure one tablespoon from each color of dough.
2. Roll each piece into logs about 6 inches long.
3. Twist the two logs together to create a candy cane shape.

Step 7: Bake

Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for another 15 minutes before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are light golden brown.

Step 8: Add Peppermint Glaze

While cookies are baking, prepare your glaze by mixing powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth. Spoon over cooled cookies after they come out of the oven slightly warm.

Enjoy your homemade Candy Cane Cookies! They are sure to be a hit during this festive season!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a festive treat that can bring joy to any gathering. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy winter treat. The minty flavor complements the rich chocolate perfectly.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday cookies. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any holiday party.

As a Gift

• Package these cookies in festive tins or boxes as sweet gifts for friends and family. Add a personal touch with a handwritten note for extra warmth.

With Ice Cream

• Serve your Candy Cane Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The contrasting temperatures create a delightful dessert experience.

At Holiday Parties

• These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings. Offer them as part of a dessert bar where guests can mix and match their favorite treats.

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How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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

• Chill the Dough: Ensure you refrigerate the dough before shaping. This helps maintain the cookie’s form and results in better texture.

• Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and peppermint extracts for deeper flavors. The quality of the extracts can significantly affect the taste of your cookies.

• Color Mixing: When adding red food coloring, start with small amounts and gradually increase until you reach the desired hue. This prevents overpowering your cookie mixture.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaking can lead to dryness; aim for a light golden brown bottom.

• Glaze Application: Apply the peppermint glaze while the cookies are still slightly warm for better adherence and flavor absorption.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Here are some great options:

1. Peppermint Bark: A mix of chocolate and crushed candy canes, this sweet treat harmonizes beautifully with your cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a healthy balance to the sweetness of the cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings.

3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast against the sweet flavors of candy cane cookies.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft cookies, offering variety in flavor and crunch.

5. Mulled Wine: This warm beverage is infused with spices, making it an ideal companion to enhance the festive mood alongside candy cane cookies.

6. Milkshakes: Create peppermint milkshakes that echo the flavors in your cookies, giving guests an indulgent drink option.

7. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of candy cane cookies into melted chocolate for an interactive dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane Cookies can be a joyful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can ruin your batch.

• Skipping the chilling step – Not refrigerating the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much in the oven. Always chill the dough for at least an hour to maintain shape.
• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar, resulting in dense cookies. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for a light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long after adding flour can develop gluten, making your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using incorrect measurements can throw off the entire recipe. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven – Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing your cookies inside.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep them at room temperature to maintain their texture.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Freeze baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Make sure they are completely cool before freezing.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes to warm them up.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about this delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for future use.

What variations can I try with this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra flavor!

How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

While peppermint extract gives the best flavor, you can use mint extract as an alternative if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is both charming and versatile, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite flavors and toppings. They’re sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion—give them a try!