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Festive Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Create festive Candy Cane Cookies for your Christmas celebrations! These buttery, peppermint-flavored treats are perfect for holiday baking and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Optional: crushed candy canes or granulated sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
    • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and mix until combined.
  2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  3. Divide and Color the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one half plain and mix red gel food coloring into the other half until it reaches your desired shade of red.
  4. Chill the Dough:
    • Wrap both portions of dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
  5. Shape the Candy Canes:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
    • Roll 1 teaspoon of each dough color into 4-5 inch ropes. Gently twist a red rope and a plain rope together, then curve the top to form a candy cane shape. Place on the prepared baking sheets.
  6. Bake:
    • Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. Optional Garnish:
    • While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle them with crushed candy canes or granulated sugar for an extra festive touch.

Notes

  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
  • Flavor Variations: For a nutty twist, add almond extract instead of peppermint extract.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday desserts, festive treats