Magic of Candy Cane Cookies: Festive Holiday Treats Recipe
Delight in the festive magic of Candy Cane Cookies, a perfect holiday treat combining buttery sugar cookie dough with crunchy crushed candy canes. These cookies offer a delightful peppermint twist and are easy to bake, making them ideal for holiday parties and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Candy Cane Topping
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional substitute for candy canes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined to add moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Candy Canes: Gently fold 1 cup of crushed candy canes into the dough, reserving some to sprinkle on top later to add a peppermint crunch.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dough balls onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of each dough ball before baking for a festive touch and extra peppermint flavor.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add ½ teaspoon peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Crushed candy canes can be substituted with peppermint chips for convenience.
Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Festive Treats, Sugar Cookies
