Benefits and Advantages of Candy Cane Cookies
Candy cane cookies are a delightful treat cherished during the holiday season, known for their signature peppermint flavor and festive swirls that add both visual charm and tasty appeal. These cookies are especially appreciated for their straightforward preparation, making them suitable for bakers of all skill levels from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.
The recipe involves simple, everyday ingredients like sugar, butter, milk, and peppermint extract, combined in a way that produces a uniquely refreshing and sweet flavor. The peppermint flavor distinguishes these cookies from many other traditional holiday treats, creating an unmistakable minty bite that complements the season’s spirit.
Thanks to their festive appearance and lively peppermint taste, candy cane cookies captivate guests and bring a joyful touch to any holiday gathering.
Besides their appealing taste and look, candy cane cookies offer versatility that suits health-conscious and special-diet bakers. Making substitutions like using margarine or plant-based butter, or adjusting milk types, can accommodate various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor and texture. Their relatively quick bake time and easy shaping also facilitate convenient holiday baking sessions, allowing for fun with family and friends.
- Easy and fun to prepare: The recipe’s simple steps encourage participation from bakers of all ages and experience.
- Unique festive flavor: Peppermint extract combined with crushed candy canes creates an iconic holiday taste.
- Vibrant appearance: The swirling red and white dough shapes replicate classic candy canes, enhancing holiday tablescapes.
- Adaptable for diets: Suitable for dietary modifications using common alternatives, such as gluten-free flour or vegan substitutes.
- Perfect for gifting and sharing: The cookies keep well and make thoughtful edible gifts for friends and family.
For more holiday recipes with seasonal flair, you might enjoy browsing other treats like the Christmas Hot Pepper Jelly, which adds a unique spicy contrast to sweet celebrations.
Essential Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies
To make festive and flavorful candy cane cookies, gathering the right ingredients is essential. Each item plays a specific role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and iconic peppermint swirl that characterizes these holiday treats.
- 1 cup sugar (200g) – Provides sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s delicate crispness.
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened (227g) – Adds richness, tenderness, and structure.
- ½ cup milk (120ml) – Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor complexity subtly.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract – Gives the signature refreshing peppermint flavor central to candy cane cookies.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder and adds to the cookie’s moist texture.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 420g) – Provides structure and firmness to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the dough rise slightly, keeping cookies tender.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring – Used to color half the dough, creating the classic red and white candy cane stripes.
- 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies (about 15-20g) – Adds a festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor, sprinkled on top after baking.
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling) – Sprinkled on warm cookies to help crushed peppermint candies adhere and add a sparkly finish.
For those seeking dietary alternatives:
- Vegan options: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use plant-based milk.
- Gluten-free options: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Low-calorie alternatives: Incorporate sugar substitutes or reduced-fat butter alternatives to cut calories while keeping the classic peppermint flavor intact.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Sweetens and adds texture |
| Butter or Margarine | 1 cup (227g), softened | Provides richness and moisture |
| Milk | ½ cup (120ml) | Moisturizes dough, binds ingredients |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancer |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon | Signature mint flavor |
| Egg | 1 large | Binder, adds texture |
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups (~420g) | Main structure |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | Leavening agent for tenderness |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | Flavor balancing |
| Red food coloring | ½ teaspoon | Creates festive red dough |
| Crushed peppermint candies | 2 tablespoons (15-20g) | Crunch and flavor topping |
| Sugar for sprinkling | 2 tablespoons | Helps candy stick; adds sparkle |
These ingredients come together to produce candy cane cookies that are both visually striking and bursting with classic peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to any holiday baking celebration.
Print
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe for Holiday Baking with Peppermint Flavor and Festive Swirls
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 54 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
🎅 Create a fun and festive holiday vibe with candy cane cookies, perfect for adding a sweet touch to your holiday celebrations!
🍬 These peppermint-flavored cookies are not only delicious but also add a colorful swirl to your festive cookie platter.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar (200g)
1 cup butter or margarine, softened (227g)
1/2 cup milk (120ml)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 egg
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 420g)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies (about 15-20g)
2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, softened butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract, and egg until well combined.
2. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Divide the dough in half; stir red food coloring into one half until evenly mixed.
4. Cover both dough portions and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up for easier shaping.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Combine crushed peppermint candies and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
7. On a floured surface, roll a rounded teaspoon of white dough and red dough each into 4 to 5-inch ropes. Place the ropes side by side, press lightly together, and gently twist to form the candy cane stripes. Curve the top to form the traditional cane handle shape.
8. Place cookies on an ungreased baking sheet about 1 inch apart. Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and lightly browned.
9. Immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with the peppermint-sugar mixture so it sticks well.
10. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Notes
❄️ Chill the dough for at least 4 hours to improve texture and make shaping easier.
🌀 Roll dough ropes on a floured surface to prevent sticking and ensure even thickness for uniform candy cane shapes.
🍭 Sprinkling crushed peppermint immediately after baking helps the candy adhere and adds festive flavor and appearance.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Chilling: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: candy cane,peppermint,cookies,holiday