Oh, the magic of the holiday season! One of my absolute favorite traditions is baking candy cane cookies. There’s something truly special about these festive treats, with their sweet, minty flavor that instantly brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and the excitement of unwrapping gifts. The vibrant red and green sugar sprinkles make them not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes! Each time I pull a batch from the oven, the scent of peppermint fills my kitchen, making it feel like a winter wonderland. Trust me, when you share these adorable cookies with friends and family, you’ll see their faces light up with joy! They’re perfect for cookie exchanges or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. Let’s get started on making your own candy cane cookies that will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients List
To make these delightful candy cane cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in giving these cookies their delicious flavor and festive spirit!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for that perfect holiday crunch)
- 1/4 cup red and green sugar sprinkles (for that festive touch)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft; it helps with the creaming process and gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture. And don’t forget to crush those candy canes! A quick smash with a rolling pin in a zip-top bag works wonders. Now, let’s get ready to bake some magic!
How to Prepare Candy Cane Cookies
Let’s dive into the magic of making these candy cane cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are simply delightful. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that’ll fill your home with holiday cheer!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly. You want them to be perfectly golden and not overcooked on the edges while remaining soft in the center. So, don’t skip this part!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Trust me, this step is crucial because it creates a nice airiness in your cookies, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love!
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well until everything is combined. The egg not only helps bind the ingredients together but also adds richness to the cookies. Don’t rush this step; make sure it’s all blended nicely!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the salt and avoids any clumps of flour. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Doing this slowly prevents the flour from flying everywhere (trust me, I’ve had my share of kitchen messes!).
Step 5: Add Flavorings and Candy Canes
Now it’s time to add that delightful peppermint extract and the crushed candy canes! Stir gently to combine. The peppermint gives your cookies that iconic holiday flavor, while the candy canes add a delightful crunch and festive flair. I can already smell the magic happening!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Finally, shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie because they will spread a little. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you want them to be soft yet set. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And voila! You’re on your way to enjoying some scrumptious candy cane cookies!
Tips for Success
To make sure your candy cane cookies turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your taste. If you love that minty kick, go for a full teaspoon, but if you want it milder, stick to half. Also, don’t hesitate to mix in some crushed chocolate candies along with the candy canes for a delightful twist! It adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the mint.
Another important tip is to chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping it. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. And lastly, try not to overcrowd the baking sheet; it’s tempting to fit them all on one tray, but giving them space ensures they bake evenly. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to taste these festive delights!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying candy cane cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional data per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your holiday treats with a little bit of balance!
FAQ Section
Can I use different extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional for these candy cane cookies, you can swap it out for almond or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. Just remember, the minty freshness is what makes them festive!
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
To keep your cookies from spreading too much during baking, be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping. This helps them maintain their shape and gives you those adorable, thick cookies we all love!
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
The easiest way to crush candy canes is to place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to smash them into tiny pieces. This not only ensures even size but keeps the mess contained!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just shape the cookies and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy. They’ll taste just as delightful!
Can I freeze candy cane cookies?
Yes, you can! Once baked and cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and fun, these candy cane cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings!
- They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers.
- The delightful combination of minty flavor and sweet crunch is simply irresistible.
- These cookies are visually stunning with their bright red and green sprinkles.
- They make for a wonderful gift or a sweet treat to share with loved ones.
- With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time!
- They fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that screams holiday cheer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a storm with your candy cane cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious! To store your leftover cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just let them cool completely, then layer them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
As for reheating, if you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds. This will make them soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious again! Enjoy your holiday treats whenever the craving strikes!
Print
Candy Cane Cookies: 7 Festive Treats to Delight You
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy cane cookies are festive treats for the holidays. They are sweet, minty, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/4 cup red and green sugar sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour and salt together.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with red and green sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use a mix of crushed candy canes and chocolate for variation.
- Adjust peppermint extract according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: candy cane cookies, holiday cookies, mint cookies
