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why make this recipe
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. The festive red and white colors capture the spirit of Christmas, and their minty flavor will remind you of candy canes. These cookies are not only fun to make but also make for great gifts or a lovely addition to your holiday cookie platter.
how to make Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes for topping
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; to one half, add peppermint extract and mix well. To the other half, add red food coloring and mix until you achieve a nice red color.
- Take small pieces of both doughs and roll them into ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until set but not browned.
- Let cool slightly, then top with crushed candy canes while still warm.
how to serve Candy Cane Cookies
Serve these Candy Cane Cookies on a festive plate, perhaps alongside a glass of milk or hot cocoa. They also make great gifts, so consider wrapping them up in clear bags tied with pretty ribbons.
how to store Candy Cane Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
tips to make Candy Cane Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake the cookies; they should be set but not browned.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you can increase the peppermint extract a little.
- Experiment with different shapes besides candy canes, like simple circles or hearts for a twist!
variation
Try adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for added flavor and texture. You can also use different food coloring to create fun variations for other occasions.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze it for later use.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can skip it or use an equal amount of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. This will help them maintain their shape while baking.