Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the festive spirit into your home. Their beautiful red and white twist, along with a hint of peppermint, makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. These cookies are not only tasty but also fun to make, especially with family. They are a wonderful way to share holiday cheer and create lasting memories in the kitchen.

How to Make Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, room temp
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Red gel food coloring

Directions:

1. Beat butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Mix in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture.
4. Divide dough in half. Color one half with red gel food coloring.
5. Wrap each dough in plastic and chill for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. Roll equal pieces of red and white dough into ropes, twist together, and shape into candy canes.
8. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until just set. Cool on trays before serving.

How to Serve Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

Serve your Candy Cane Cookies on a decorative plate or in a festive tin. They are perfect for holiday parties or as a sweet gift for neighbors and friends. Enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or milk for an even better treat.

How to Store Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

Keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container. They can last for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Tips to Make Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened; this helps create the perfect cookie texture.
• Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color that won’t change the dough’s consistency.
• If you prefer thicker cookies, you can chill the dough longer before baking.

Variation

You can add crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking for an extra crunch and more peppermint flavor. Another variation is to switch the peppermint extract for vanilla if you want a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, but using unsalted butter gives the best flavor and texture for cookies.

Can the dough be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough a few days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?

You can use regular food coloring, but gel food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant color without adding extra moisture to the dough.