When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting through your home. One delightful treat that captures the spirit of the season is Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies. These cookies not only look festive but also offer a wonderful combination of buttery, minty flavor that will have everyone reaching for another. With their signature candy cane shape, they make perfect gifts or treats for holiday parties. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to get into the Christmas spirit!
Why We Love This Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookie Recipe
There’s something magical about Christmas cookies, and Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies hold a special place in many hearts. They ignite memories of cozy holiday gatherings, laughter, and the warmth of family traditions. These cookies are not only delicious but are also visually spectacular, with their bright red and white swirls resembling the iconic candy canes that adorn Christmas trees.
Making these cookies is a delightful experience. Kneading the dough, twisting it into candy cane shapes, and watching them bake until golden is a source of satisfaction and joy. The blend of sweet peppermint and buttery goodness ensures that every bite is a celebration of flavors. Plus, they make for delightful gifts wrapped in beautiful packaging, bringing smiles to your loved ones that only home-baked treats can deliver.
So, whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a cookie swap, or simply to enjoy with hot cocoa by the fire, Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies will undoubtedly become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients about Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
To craft these delightful cookies, you’ll need a handful of straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration
How to Make Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies Directions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on creating these festive cookies.
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your cookies bake evenly.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, blend together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg, followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mixing these flavors ensures that each cookie is full of that delightful minty taste.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps. Gradually mix this dry mixture into your creamed mixture. Do this until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels a bit sticky, that’s perfectly fine!
- Color the Dough: Divide the dough evenly into two sections. Take one half and add a few drops of red food coloring. Knead the dough until the color is well distributed, creating a vibrant red hue.
- Form the Cookies: Roll small pieces from both the plain and colored dough. You’ll want to create ropes roughly 6 inches long. Twist one red rope and one white rope together gently to form the shape of a candy cane. This fun twisting process allows you to unleash your creativity!
- Arrange for Baking: Place each shaped cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie as they will expand while baking.
- Bake: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Keep a watchful eye, as baking times can vary based on your oven.
- Decorate and Cool: Once baked, take the cookies out, and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once cool, you can decorate them with red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes for that festive touch.
- Enjoy: Once decorated, serve them immediately or store them for later. You and your loved ones are in for a treat!
How to Serve Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Serving Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies is all about presentation and enjoyment. These cookies shine on any holiday dessert table, and their festive colors make them a visual treat. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your cookie experience:
- Cookie Platter: Create a beautiful platter by arranging the cookies in a festive circle and adding some candy canes or other holiday treats to complement the display.
- Gift Bags: Consider placing them in decorative cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons to give as gifts. This personal touch shows your loved ones that you care.
- Pair with Beverages: These cookies go wonderfully with warm beverages. Consider serving them alongside hot cocoa or peppermint tea. The cool, minty flavor of the cookies complements these warm drinks perfectly, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere.
- Holiday Parties: Bring them to holiday gatherings or potlucks. They’re a hit with both kids and adults, and they are easy to transport.
Remember, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while sharing these delightful cookies will enhance the enjoyment for everyone involved.
Expert Tips: Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
When crafting the perfect Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies, a few expert tips can help you achieve the best results:
- Soften the Butter Properly: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing. Avoid melting the butter as it can lead to a greasy cookie dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky or hard to mold, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps to firm it up, making it easier to shape.
- Color Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different food colors. You can create a mix of red, green, and even white cookies for a more festive look.
- Texture Check: For a chewier cookie, bake for less time, and for a crisper cookie, leave them in the oven a little longer but watch closely to avoid over-baking.
- Candies for Decoration: Feel free to get creative with decorations. Use other kinds of holiday sprinkles or chocolate chips to incorporate additional flavors and colors!
How to Store Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Storing your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious for longer periods. Here’s how to keep them in tip-top shape:
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This step helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the cookies soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, consider placing parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking.
- Room Temperature Storage: You can keep the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their freshness, consider refrigerating them.
- Freezing Option: For long-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well sealed. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Variation of Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
While the traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat on their own, you can get creative with variations. Here are some ideas to spice things up:
- Chocolate Peppermint Variation: Add cocoa powder (about 1/2 cup) to one half of the dough to create a chocolate peppermint version. The addition of cocoa offers a rich, decadent flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate finely chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor. You can mix them into the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Filled Cookies: Consider making sandwich cookies by placing a mint-flavored cream cheese or buttercream filling between two cookies for a richer taste.
- Glazed Cookies: After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate on top of the cookies, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for an extra festive touch.
- Alternative Shapes: Although they’re typically in the shape of candy canes, feel free to experiment with different cookie cutters to create unique shapes like stars or Christmas trees, adding even more fun to your cookie display.
FAQ
What are Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies?
Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies are festive cookies that combine sweet buttery flavors with refreshing peppermint. Shaped like iconic candy canes, they’re a delightful holiday treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
How do you store Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies?
To store your Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage.
Can I customize Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors like chocolate or nuts, create colorful variations, or even fill them with a creamy center. Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this festive recipe.
Peppermint Candy Cane Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- as needed Red and green sprinkles or crushed candy canes for decoration For a festive touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the egg, followed by vanilla extract and peppermint extract.
- In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix this dry mixture into the creamed mixture until a dough begins to form.
- Divide the dough into two sections. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half and knead until the color is well distributed.
Baking
- Roll small pieces from both the plain and colored dough to create 6-inch long ropes.
- Twist one red rope and one white rope together gently to form the shape of a candy cane.
- Place each shaped cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space in between.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Once baked, allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately or store for later.
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