Candy Cane Christmas Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holiday season. These cookies not only taste delicious but also add a festive touch to your holiday gatherings. Their unique shape and vibrant colors make them a fun baking project that kids and adults alike can enjoy. Plus, the peppermint flavor combined with a buttery cookie base is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

How to Make Candy Cane Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:

• 330 g All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Egg
• 150 g Sugar
• 200 g Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar (for smooth texture)
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Red Food Coloring (gel or liquid)

Directions:

1. Cream It: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to the mixture. Beat until combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
5. Divide & Color: Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and color the other half red using food coloring.
6. Shape the Canes: Roll small pieces of each dough into ropes. Twist one red rope and one plain rope together and curve the top to form a cane shape.
7. Chill: Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet and chill for 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading.
8. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Once baked, cool the cookies on a rack.

How to Serve Candy Cane Christmas Cookies

These colorful cookies are perfect to serve during the holiday season. Arrange them on a festive platter for parties or give them as gifts in a decorative tin. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a glass of milk, making them a delightful snack for everyone.

How to Store Candy Cane Christmas Cookies

To keep your Candy Cane Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Candy Cane Christmas Cookies

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
• Don’t over-bake the cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.
• Experiment with the size of the ropes you twist together for different-themed shapes!

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding crushed peppermint candies on top of the cookies before baking. This adds an extra crunch and a burst of minty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different colors of food coloring?
Yes, you can use any colors you like! Try green or blue for a unique twist.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until you can handle it easily.

Can these cookies be decorated?
Absolutely! You can use icing or sprinkles to decorate your cookies before baking or after they’ve cooled.