Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any holiday gathering. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe combines classic flavors of peppermint and vanilla, creating a festive cookie that will impress your family and friends. Ideal for Christmas parties or simply to enjoy at home, these cookies bring a sweet touch to any occasion with their beautiful red and white swirl design.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors and twisted shapes make these cookies visually stunning on any holiday platter.
Irresistible Flavor: With the perfect balance of buttery goodness and peppermint, each bite is bursting with flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create these delicious cookies without stress.
Perfect for Gifting: Package them in a decorative tin or box, making them a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Versatile Treat: These cookies are not just for Christmas; they can brighten up any winter celebration.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Candy Cane Cookies, having the right tools will streamline your baking process. Below are essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Plastic wrap
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or Silpat mat

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
Baking sheets: A must-have for even baking; they help achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
Parchment paper or Silpat mat: Prevents sticking and ensures an easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

Old-fashioned peppermint Candy Cane Cookies.

Cookie Ingredients

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 Cookie 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.
Reduce mixer speed and add in the flour and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 2: Color the Dough

Divide dough in half.
In the stand mixer, combine one half of the dough with red food coloring. Mix until evenly colored.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape each color of cookie dough into disks.
Cover them tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for one hour or up to overnight.

Step 4: Preheat Oven & Shape Cookies

Once dough has chilled, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Measure one tablespoon of each color dough. Roll into 6-inch long log shapes.
Twist cookie dough together and transfer to parchment paper or a Silpat lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake & Glaze

Chill shaped cookie dough for 15 minutes before baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until bottoms are very light golden brown.
While cookies bake, prepare the peppermint glaze by mixing together powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth.
Spoon glaze over cookies after they have cooled slightly.

Enjoy your homemade Candy Cane Cookies!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for sharing during the holiday season. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Hot Cocoa

Pair your Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The chocolate complements the peppermint beautifully.

On a Festive Platter

Arrange cookies on a colorful platter adorned with Christmas decorations. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece at any holiday gathering.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual cookies in clear bags and tie them with festive ribbons. These make great party favors for guests to take home.

With Ice Cream

Serve your Candy Cane Cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. The combination is wonderfully refreshing and indulgent.

At Holiday Movie Night

Enjoy these cookies while watching classic holiday movies. They add a sweet touch to your movie night snacks and are sure to please everyone.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Creating the perfect Candy Cane Cookies can be simple with these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps it hold its shape better when baking, resulting in beautifully formed cookies.
Use Fresh Extracts: Ensure your peppermint and vanilla extracts are fresh for maximum flavor in each bite.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
Measure Accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain the correct texture and sweetness in your cookies.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. Remove them when the bottoms are lightly golden to prevent overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Here are some delightful options:

Peppermint Bark: A rich chocolate treat layered with crushed candy canes, perfect for festive snacking alongside your cookies.
Fruitcake: A traditional holiday dessert that balances sweetness with dried fruits and nuts, offering a contrast to the minty cookies.
Cheese Platter: Include a selection of cheeses, crackers, and fruits that provide savory notes against the sweet backdrop of the cookies.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg create a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with soft cookies.
Gingerbread Men: These classic Christmas cookies offer warm spices that complement the peppermint flavors in Candy Cane Cookies.
Eggnog: This creamy holiday drink enhances the festive spirit when enjoyed alongside any sweet treats you serve.
Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate served with fruits and marshmallows invites guests to dip their way into deliciousness next to their cookies.
Pumpkin Pie: The spiced flavors of pumpkin pie add warmth to your dessert table alongside Candy Cane Cookies during holiday celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Candy Cane Cookies can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
Skipping Chilling Time: Not refrigerating the dough can result in spreading during baking. Always chill the dough for at least one hour.
Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for the best results.
Neglecting Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a pan can stick and burn the cookies. Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
Not Measuring Ingredients Properly: Improper measurements can alter texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale for more accurate results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Keep them separated with wax paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape logs before freezing.
Baked cookies can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in an airtight container.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe that may help enhance your baking experience.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I add more peppermint flavor?

You can increase the amount of peppermint extract slightly or use crushed peppermint candies in the dough.

What is the best way to decorate Candy Cane Cookies?

Consider using white chocolate drizzle or colorful sprinkles after glazing for a festive touch!

Can I use different food coloring?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any color that fits your holiday theme.

Final Thoughts

The Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is not just delicious; it also brings joy and nostalgia during the holiday season. Their charming appearance and minty flavor make them perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings. You can customize them further by adding chocolate chips or nuts, ensuring they fit every taste preference!

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Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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Author: Ana
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the holiday spirit with our delightful Candy Cane Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies feature a perfect blend of buttery vanilla and refreshing peppermint flavors, all wrapped up in a stunning red and white swirl design. Ideal for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or cozy family nights at home, these easy-to-make treats will captivate your loved ones and elevate any festive gathering. With their eye-catching appearance and incredible taste, these cookies are bound to become a holiday tradition. Bake a batch today and experience the joy of sharing these sweet minty delights!

Ingredients

Scale

2 sticks butter (room temperature)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon red food coloring

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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 to the mixture until combined.
Divide the dough in half; mix red food coloring into one half until evenly colored.
Chill both halves of dough wrapped in plastic wrap for at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll tablespoon-sized pieces of each color into logs, twist them together, and place on lined baking sheets.
Chill shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
For the glaze, mix powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and milk until smooth; drizzle over cooled cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American