Christmas Candy Cane Cookies are the delicious, festive treats that will bring a cheerful grin to anyone’s face. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with peppermint flavor, drizzled with sweet icing and topped with crushed candy canes—pure holiday magic in every bite! These cookies are not just a delight for your taste buds; they also fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of Christmas cheer.
As we gather around the tree and sip our hot cocoa, these Christmas Candy Cane Cookies become the star of the show. I remember the first time I baked them with my grandma; her secret ingredient was always a sprinkle of love (and maybe some extra chocolate chips). Whether you’re sharing these cookies at a holiday gathering or simply indulging while watching your favorite Christmas movie, they promise to elevate any occasion into something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
- This incredible Christmas Candy Cane Cookies transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Candy Cane Cookies:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies; it provides structure and chewiness.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! This helps create that perfect soft texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor to our cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s softened for easy creaming; it brings richness to the dough.
- Eggs: One large egg binds everything together and adds moisture.
- Peppermint Extract: The star of our flavor profile—go ahead and use a little extra if you’re feeling festive!
- Baking Powder: Helps our cookies rise and get that fluffy texture we all love.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors in our cookies.
For Topping:
- Candy Canes: Crush them up for that quintessential holiday crunch on top of your cookies!
- White Chocolate Chips: Optional, but they add an irresistible creaminess that pairs perfectly with minty goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Candy Cane Cookies:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes—perfect time for a little dance party!
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavor
Add in one large egg and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined. The aroma should start hinting at holiday festivities!
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies!
Step 5: Fold in Extras
If you’re using white chocolate chips or crushed candy canes in the dough, now’s the time! Gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Shape & Bake
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Transfer to plates once cooled slightly, then drizzle with melted chocolate if desired for an extra touch of sweetness!
These delightful Christmas Candy Cane Cookies will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Grab your loved ones and enjoy the festive spirit while savoring each delectable bite!
You Must Know About Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
- This showstopping Christmas Candy Cane Cookies delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
To create your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies efficiently, start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla before gradually adding the dry ingredients. Finally, fold in crushed candy canes for that festive crunch.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla if you’re not a mint fan! You can also add chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor. Experimenting with different types of candy canes can provide a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
- This professional-quality Christmas Candy Cane Cookies relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Baking these cookies reminds me of the first time I made them; my kids couldn’t resist sneaking spoonfuls of dough when they thought I wasn’t looking!
FAQs
What are Christmas Candy Cane Cookies?
Christmas Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats that combine the flavors of peppermint and vanilla. These delightful cookies often feature a swirl of red and white dough, resembling traditional candy canes. They are typically soft, chewy, and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for added texture and flavor. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as gifts, these cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a favorite during the Christmas season.
How do I make Christmas Candy Cane Cookies?
To make Christmas Candy Cane Cookies, start by creaming together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually incorporate flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring. Roll out each dough portion into ropes, twist them together, and shape into candy canes. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before decorating with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Can I freeze Christmas Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Christmas Candy Cane Cookies! To preserve their freshness, allow the baked cookies to cool completely. Place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat briefly in the oven for that freshly baked taste.
What variations can I try with Christmas Candy Cane Cookies?
There are several variations you can explore with Christmas Candy Cane Cookies. Consider adding white chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness. You might also experiment with different extracts like almond or even orange to create unique flavor profiles. For a crunchy twist, incorporate chopped nuts or use crushed gingerbread instead of candy canes on top.
Conclusion
In summary, Christmas Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy to any gathering. With their festive appearance and delicious peppermint flavor, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. The process of making these cookies is enjoyable and allows for creative variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you bake them for yourself or share them as gifts, these cookies
Print
Christmas Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 to 22 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Candy Cane Cookies are soft, buttery holiday cookies twisted into festive red and white spirals. They are flavored with vanilla and a hint of peppermint, creating the perfect nostalgic Christmas treat. Crispy on the edges and tender in the center, they make a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie box and are guaranteed to impress guests and kids alike.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Red gel food coloring
For Rolling (Optional)
½ cup crushed peppermint candies
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Divide and color
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and color the second portion with red gel food coloring. Mix until the color is even.
4. Shape the candy canes
Roll a small piece of red dough into a rope about 5 inches long. Do the same with a piece of plain dough. Twist the ropes together, then bend the top into a candy cane shape.
5. Coat (optional)
Roll each shaped cookie in the peppermint-sugar mixture for extra sparkle and crunch.
6. Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until set but not browned.
7. Cool and serve
Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
For vibrant red, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
– Cookies keep for 1 week in an airtight container.
– Freeze shaped dough for up to 2 months.
– Add more peppermint if you want stronger flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
will surely become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
