Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a quintessential holiday treat that blends the buttery goodness of sugar cookies with a refreshing peppermint twist. Their iconic red and white swirls evoke the spirit of Christmas, making them a festive favorite for all ages. These cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat. Shaping the dough into candy canes is a fun activity for the whole family, creating memories as sweet as the cookies themselves. Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are a must-have addition to your Christmas traditions.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring gel
- 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt to form the dough.
- Divide the dough in half, leaving one half plain and tinting the other half with red food coloring gel. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an ungreased sheet.
- To form cookies, take one teaspoon of each dough color. Roll each into a 5-inch rope. Place the ropes side by side, twist them together gently, and shape into a candy cane form.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
- While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle a mixture of crushed peppermint candies and sugar over the top.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes