Indulge in the joy of the holiday season with our delightful Candy Cane Cookies! These festive treats are not only visually stunning but also offer a deliciously sweet and minty flavor that will captivate your taste buds. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift, these cookies are easy to make and fun to decorate. Let’s dive into this enchanting recipe that will fill your home with the spirit of Christmas!
Ingredients
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
– Red and white icing for decoration
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, and cooking time is about 10-12 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 6g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 16g
– Sugars: 8g
– Protein: 1g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until smooth.
6. Divide the dough in half and tint one half with red food coloring.
7. Roll out each dough into ropes, about 8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
8. Twist a red rope and a white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
9. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Allow them to cool before decorating with icing.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, use dairy-free butter for a vegan version. Mint extract can be swapped for other flavorings like almond or vanilla for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
These Candy Cane Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or festive eggnog. They also make a charming addition to holiday cookie platters or as sweet gifts for friends and family.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not chilling the dough can result in spreading cookies.
- Overbaking will make cookies hard instead of chewy.
- Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can affect texture.
- Not allowing cookies to cool before icing can result in a runny mess.
Helpful Tips
- Use a candy cane cookie cutter for perfect shapes.
- Chill the dough for better handling.
- Experiment with different food coloring for festive looks.
- Make a double batch for larger gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly, so choose a high-quality margarine for best results.
How long do these cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Candy Cane Cookies can last up to one week at room temperature and can be frozen for two months.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Bake them fresh when needed!
What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use almond extract, vanilla extract, or even a citrus flavor like orange for a unique twist.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to decorate?
Yes! Kids will love decorating these cookies with icing and sprinkles. Just supervise them to avoid any mess!
Conclusion
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration, combining the sweetness of sugar cookies with the refreshing burst of peppermint. These festive treats not only taste amazing but also serve as a fun and creative activity for family and friends. Enjoy the holiday spirit with every bite!
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and white icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, combining until smooth.
- Divide the dough in half and tint one half with red food coloring.
- Roll out each dough into ropes, about 8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Twist a red rope and a white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow them to cool before decorating with icing.