Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you’re craving a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season, look no further than this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with peppermint flavor, thanks to the crushed candy canes baked right into the dough. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch alongside a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them irresistibly charming for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe will quickly become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire because it combines classic flavors, simple ingredients, and a vibrant, cheerful appearance that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating these festive cookies. Each one plays a crucial role—from the creamy butter lending richness to the peppermint extract that infuses every bite with holiday cheer. The balance of sugars ensures perfect sweetness and texture, while the crushed candy canes bring that iconic peppermint crunch and a splash of color.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, tender base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a slightly crisp edge.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Keeps the texture soft and adds delicate sweetness without graininess.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, comforting notes.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star ingredient that makes this a truly Christmas-worthy treat.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing structure and heft.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to just the right height.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• ½ cup crushed candy canes: Adds that signature peppermint crunch and festive flair.
• Red and green sprinkles (optional): For an extra pop of color and holiday spirit.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making cleanup much easier and keeping their shape perfect.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and powdered sugars using an electric mixer at medium speed. This mix should become smooth and creamy to create a luscious base that balances the cookie’s texture between soft and slightly crisp.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Next, stir in the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined. This trio brings moisture, flavor depth, and that unmistakable holiday peppermint scent that makes this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe so special.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps spread the leavening evenly throughout the flour, so your cookies rise uniformly and taste perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be gentle here to avoid overmixing, which can make the cookies tough instead of tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in Crushed Candy Canes

Fold in the crushed candy canes carefully so they stay nicely distributed in the dough, ensuring every bite bursts with that cool, peppermint crunch that defines this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

Step 7: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. This spacing prevents the cookies from spreading into one another during baking.

Step 8: Add Festive Sprinkles (Optional)

If you want to dial up the holiday vibe, roll the cookie dough balls in red and green sprinkles before baking. This extra step adds cheerful color and a little crunch to the cookie’s exterior.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn just lightly golden while the centers remain soft. This balance gives them a tender texture that will keep you reaching for more.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process helps them firm up just enough while maintaining their tender chewiness.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe truly shine, garnish them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Both add a gorgeous finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness that complements the peppermint perfectly.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a creamy eggnog. The warmth of these drinks enhances the refreshing peppermint flavor in the cookies and creates a cozy holiday moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by arranging your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with fresh pine branches or holly berries. You can also package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons to gift to loved ones for a heartfelt, homemade holiday gesture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to a week. Keeping them sealed prevents moisture loss and protects that lovely peppermint crunch.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor.

Reheating

To restore their just-baked warmth and softness, pop your leftover or frozen and thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This little reheating step refreshes the texture and lifts the peppermint aroma right back up.

FAQs

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes, peppermint extract alone can provide strong peppermint flavor, but crushed candy canes add delightful texture and visual appeal that the extract can’t replicate. Combining both yields the best results in this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from fading during baking?

For the brightest colors, roll the dough balls in sprinkles just before baking. If you add them too early, some colors might dull in the oven’s heat, so timing is key.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?

Gluten-free flour blends can work, but choose one designed for baking and expect a slight change in texture. You might need to tweak the amount slightly for the best dough consistency.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Over-softened butter, too much sugar, or not chilling the dough can cause cookies to spread more than desired. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes if the weather is warm.

What is the best way to crush candy canes for these cookies?

Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or a heavy pan to gently crush them into small pieces. Avoid turning them into powder; you want little chunks for texture and visual interest.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of peppermint and holiday sweetness wrapped in every soft, crunchy bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and warm memories. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful baking adventure that feels just like a festive hug from the inside out!

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