Introduction
There’s something magical about the holiday season that brings out a sense of nostalgia and joy, especially when it comes to baking. One of my favorite festive treats are these delightful Candy Cane Cookies. With their festive swirl of red and white and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, these cookies not only look stunning but also pack a refreshing minty flavor in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet surprise in your loved ones’ gift boxes, these cookies are sure to brighten up any celebration!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed candy canes (plus more for garnish)
- Red food coloring
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy — this should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts, ensuring they’re well blended into the buttery mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half. In one half, mix in the crushed candy canes and a few drops of red food coloring until you achieve your desired festive shade.
- Roll a small amount of each dough (white and red) into ropes about 6 inches long — the contrasting colors will create that beautiful candy cane effect!
- Twist the two ropes together to form a candy cane shape, embracing that classic holiday symbol.
- Place the formed cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the aroma fills your kitchen with holiday cheer.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to set perfectly.
Notes or Tips
- For an even more vibrant color, you can adjust the amount of red food coloring to suit your preference.
- Try adding a drizzle of white chocolate on top once cooled for an extra decadent touch!
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving the perfect Candy Cane Cookies lies in the buttercream technique used for creaming the butter and sugar. Make sure your butter is at room temperature to create that fluffy base. Additionally, when twisting the dough for the candy cane shape, be gentle to maintain the integrity of the colors without blending them together too much.
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy. - What can I substitute for almond extract?
If you prefer a different flavor, vanilla extract can be used in place of almond extract for a lovely vanilla version of these cookies.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful holiday tradition that adds a splash of color and joy to any gathering. With their buttery texture and sweet minty flavor, they’re bound to become a favorite for years to come. So gather your loved ones in the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and let’s create some holiday magic together!