The aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace reminiscent of holiday cheer. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy candy cane cookie, the sweet peppermint flavor dancing on your tongue and mingling beautifully with the buttery richness. festive peppermint swirl cookies This Candy Cane Cookie Recipe is not just a treat; it transforms your kitchen into a festive wonderland, making every bite feel like a cozy hug.
Every holiday season, my family gathers around to bake these delightful cookies, sharing laughter and stories that create lasting memories. The vibrant red and white swirl of crushed candy canes makes them look as good as they taste, perfect for those festive gatherings where everyone fights over the last cookie—because let’s be honest, who can resist? festive Grinch sugar cookies.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Candy Cane Cookie Recipe offers an easy way to spread holiday joy with minimal effort
- The combination of crunchy candy canes and soft cookie dough brings a delightful texture contrast
- Their festive appearance makes them a showstopper on any dessert table
- Perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones during snowy evenings!
Baking these cookies has become a cherished tradition in our home. The delighted gasps from friends as they take their first bite are priceless. red velvet thumbprint cookies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use about 2 ½ cups for that perfect cookie texture; sifted flour helps avoid lumps.
- Granulated Sugar: About 1 cup to sweeten those cookies beautifully without overwhelming them. For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Sugar Donut Bread recipe.
- Brown Sugar: Half a cup adds moisture and deepens the flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: One cup at room temperature ensures easy mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Baking Soda: One teaspoon provides that essential lift for fluffy cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: A tablespoon enhances the overall flavor with its lovely aroma.
- Candy Canes: Crush about 1 cup for that irresistible peppermint crunch; adjust based on your taste!
- Salt: Just a pinch balances flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes will do. The mixture should be pale and inviting!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined after each addition. You want your batter to be smooth like your favorite holiday movie character!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients until well combined. Avoid overmixing; we want tender cookies!
Add Crushed Candy Canes: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough. Your kitchen will start smelling like peppermint heaven!
Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft—trust me; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Now that you have created your masterpiece of minty goodness, allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
These joyful little treats are sure to bring smiles all around! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply indulging solo while watching your favorite movie, this Candy Cane Cookie Recipe will undoubtedly become a beloved tradition in your kitchen!
You Must Know
- This delightful Candy Cane Cookie Recipe combines holiday cheer with the perfect crunch
- The sweet peppermint aroma fills your kitchen, making it a festive treat that everyone will love
- Perfect for sharing but also great for indulging yourself during the holidays!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve cookie perfection, mix dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugar before adding eggs and vanilla.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for vanilla or add chocolate chips for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make these cookies extra special, use crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing
- Bake until just golden; overbaking leads to crunchy cookies instead of chewy ones
It was last Christmas when I first made these cookies, and my friends devoured them! Their smiles were priceless, proving that food really brings people together. Christmas fruitcake cookies.
FAQ
Can I use regular sugar instead of confectioners’ sugar in the Candy Cane Cookie Recipe?
Using regular sugar can result in a grainy texture; stick with confectioners’ sugar.
How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
Can I freeze these Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper for easy access later.
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. With a delightful blend of chewy cookie dough and crunchy peppermint, these cookies will envelop your senses in warm holiday cheer. Easy to make and visually stunning, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared sheets, about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers remain soft. Allow to cool on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For added flavor variation, consider swapping vanilla extract with peppermint extract or adding chocolate chips. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
