Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings festive cheer to any gathering. With their sweet peppermint flavor and charming red-and-white appearance, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply as a special treat for loved ones. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also add a beautiful pop of color to your dessert table. Enjoy the fun of shaping them into candy canes while filling your home with the aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This simple recipe uses common ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: The rich peppermint extract gives these cookies their signature holiday taste that everyone loves.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the colors or add toppings to suit your personal style or celebration theme.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 36 cookies in one batch, they’re great for sharing at gatherings or giving as gifts.
• Long-Lasting: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or frozen for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Candy Cane Cookies, gather all necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheets
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes it easy to cream butter and sugar together for a smooth dough.
• Parchment paper: It prevents sticking and allows for easy transfer of cookies from the counter to the baking sheet.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent cookie shapes.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 8 oz unsalted butter (1 cup), room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese (1/2 cup), room temperature
• 10 oz granulated sugar (1.33 cups)
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 16 oz all-purpose flour (3.5 cups)
• red gel food coloring (Americolor Super Red recommended)

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, and beat for about 30 seconds until creamy.
2. Add the cream cheese and mix until combined, then add the granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds.
3. Add the yolk, peppermint extract, and salt; mix until fully combined.

Step 2: Incorporate Flour

1. With the mixer running on low, gradually add the flour in a steady stream and mix just until combined.

Step 3: Color the Dough

1. Divide the dough in half. Keep one half in the mixer and add red gel food coloring to the other half.
2. Mix just until incorporated, ensuring you have vibrant red dough.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough Rectangles

1. Roll each color out between two sheets of parchment paper into long rectangles—about ¼ thick, 5” wide, and 18” long.
2. If too soft to handle, refrigerate briefly until workable.

Step 5: Chill & Combine Colors

1. Chill both rectangles in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Stack red dough on top of white dough; gently roll with a pin to meld colors together into a thicker rectangle about ½” thick.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

1. Wrap this rectangle in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 45 minutes.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut thin strips from the rectangle (½-inch wide by 5 inches long).
3. Roll each strip between your hands to round out edges; twist gently to create a spiral pattern before curving one end into a candy cane shape.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C). Place one baking sheet of shaped cookies in the freezer while preheating.
2. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes until puffed up with light golden bottoms.
3. Allow cookies to cool completely before transferring from baking sheets.

Enjoy your delightful Candy Cane Cookies! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze them for future treats!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience during the festive season.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange a variety of Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative platter for a beautiful centerpiece at holiday gatherings. Mix in other holiday cookies for a colorful display.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve your Candy Cane Cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The peppermint flavor complements the rich chocolate perfectly, making it a cozy duo.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

• Package individual Candy Cane Cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. These make perfect homemade gifts for neighbors and friends during the holiday season.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream between two Candy Cane Cookies. It’s a delightful twist that adds creaminess to the crunchy cookie.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Candy Cane Cookies, consider these helpful tips that will enhance your baking experience.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing, resulting in a smoother dough.
• Chill Your Dough: Refrigerating the dough before shaping helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming too soft while you work with it.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than light and tender ones.
• Experiment with Colors: Feel free to use different gel food colors to create unique designs or themes for your cookies, adding an extra festive touch.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Candy Cane Cookies can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some tasty options that complement these festive cookies nicely.

1. Mint Chocolate Brownies – Rich and fudgy brownies infused with mint add another layer of indulgence next to Candy Cane Cookies.
2. Gingerbread Men – These classic cookies bring warmth and spice to your dessert spread, balancing the sweetness of candy canes.
3. Peppermint Bark – A crunchy treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint, it enhances the holiday spirit when served alongside candy cane flavors.
4. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad provides a lighter option that contrasts beautifully with sugary treats like Candy Cane Cookies.
5. Vanilla Cupcakes – Light vanilla cupcakes topped with peppermint frosting make a sweet addition that pairs well with the cookies’ flavor profile.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels – Salty pretzels coated in chocolate provide a delightful crunch and contrast against the sweet candy cane taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to refrigerate the dough for at least 45 minutes to maintain their shape.
• Using too much flour: Adding excess flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, or spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined after adding the flour to keep them light and tender.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking for too long can make cookies hard. Keep an eye on them; they should puff up and lose their shine but remain soft when taken out of the oven.
• Forgetting to line the baking sheet: Skipping parchment paper can lead to sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a plate for 10-15 seconds until soft, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Cookies.

How do I add more peppermint flavor to Candy Cane Cookies?

To enhance the peppermint flavor, consider increasing the amount of peppermint extract slightly. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors.

Can I use different colors besides red for my Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! You can use any color gel food coloring you like. This is great for customizing your cookies for different holidays or events.

What if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky and hard to work with, sprinkle a bit of flour on your hands or surface while shaping. Refrigerating it briefly may also help firm it up.

How can I decorate my Candy Cane Cookies?

You can drizzle melted white chocolate on top or sprinkle crushed candy canes after baking for added flair and flavor.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of an egg yolk. Ensure other ingredients are vegan-friendly as well.

How long does it take to make Candy Cane Cookies?

The total time is about 2 hours, including prep and chilling time before baking, but most of this is inactive time while the dough chills!

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines festive flavors with fun shapes. Their versatility allows you to customize colors and decorations, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. Try this recipe today, and enjoy sharing these sweet creations with friends and family!