Candy Cane Shaped Cookies are the ultimate festive treat to bring holiday cheer to your gatherings. These delightful cookies not only look stunning but also taste amazing with a hint of peppermint. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, these cookies are a fun and creative way to express the holiday spirit. You can make them with your family or friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Candy Cane Cookies. First, they are visually appealing, making them perfect for holiday parties. Second, the combination of vanilla and peppermint gives a unique flavor that’s refreshing and festive. Third, the cookie dough is easy to work with, ideal for bakers of all skill levels. Additionally, these delightful treats make wonderful gifts for friends and family, spreading joy during the holiday season. Moreover, they are vegetarian-friendly, ensuring that everyone can enjoy them. Finally, they can be customized with various decorations, making them unique to your style.

Ingredients for Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

Gather these items:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
2 tablespoons water (for icing)
Crushed candy canes (for decoration)

How to Make Candy Cane Shaped Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
Step 5: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 6: Divide the dough in half. Leave one half as it is, and add red food coloring to the other half. Mix until you achieve your desired shade of red.
Step 7: Wrap each portion of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Step 8: Once chilled, take a small piece of the white dough and a small piece of the red dough. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 6 inches long. Twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
Step 9: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 11: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough thoroughly; this helps in shaping and prevents spreading during baking.
Use high-quality peppermint extract for a more pronounced flavor.
Experiment with different colors for the dough to create unique designs.
Consider adding chocolate drizzle for a decadent twist.

Best Ways to Serve Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

These cookies shine during holiday gatherings. Serve them on a decorative platter, and pair them with hot cocoa or eggnog for a festive treat. They also make excellent gifts when packaged in cute boxes or tins. Adorn them with festive ribbons for extra cheer!

How to Store and Reheat Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, or warm them in the oven at a low temperature. This makes them taste freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Shaped Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Candy Cane Shaped Cookies?

The secret lies in the dough chilling process. Make sure to chill the dough for at least an hour for easier handling and better results. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring they keep their candy cane shape.

Can I make Candy Cane Shaped Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze the shaped cookies before baking; just add a couple of minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Candy Cane Shaped Cookies?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure your butter is softened, not melted, as this affects the texture. Also, don’t skip the chilling step, as it is crucial for the dough’s consistency. Lastly, watch the baking time to prevent overbaking.

Variations of Candy Cane Shaped Cookies You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Add crushed nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Use different extracts, like almond or orange, for a unique flavor twist.
Decorate with colored sprinkles or themed holiday decorations to suit different occasions.
Try making a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

For more festive recipes, check out our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze or Candy Cane Cookies. You can also explore Christmas Black Forest Trifle for a delightful dessert option!

For more information on baking techniques, you can refer to this baking tips guide.

Candy Cane Shaped Cookies: 10 Festive Recipes to Enjoy

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Candy Cane Shaped Cookies: The Incredible Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half as it is, and add red food coloring to the other half. Mix until you achieve your desired shade of red.
Wrap each portion of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Once chilled, take a small piece of the white dough and a small piece of the red dough. Roll each piece into a long rope, about 6 inches long. Twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.