Magical Candy Cane Cookies

Introduction

These Magical Candy Cane Cookies bring a classic holiday feeling to your kitchen with bright peppermint and buttery vanilla. Crisp edges and tender centers make every bite nostalgic and giftable, perfect for cookie swaps and lunchboxes. If you love pairing sweets with seasonal drinks try this festive punch for a merry serving idea https://cookaza.com/candy-cane-christmas-punch/. A simple dough, a quick chill, and a shower of crushed candy cane make decorating fun for kids and adults alike.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is straightforward enough for a weekday afternoon yet elegant for holiday gatherings. The dough rolls easily, so you can cut any shape you like and create a beautiful platter in under an hour from start to finish. The peppermint extract gives a bright, cool note that plays wonderfully against the rich butter and sugar. Crushed candy cane on top adds color, sparkle, and a crunchy contrast that makes these cookies irresistible. If you enjoy classic sugar cookies, you may like trying a similar twist in this Christmas sugar cookie copycat for extra inspiration https://cookaza.com/christmas-sugar-cookies-crumbl-copycat-recipe/. These cookies also hold up well for shipping, making them a dependable choice for edible gifts.

Flavor and Texture

The flavor is a cheerful duet of vanilla and peppermint, with neither overpowering the other. Butter provides a golden base that toasts at the edges and keeps centers soft. Crushed candy cane adds bursts of mint and a crackly crunch, turning a simple cookie into something playful. Texture-wise these cookies are slightly crisp on the outside and tender inside, easily sliding into a perfect balance between snap and bite. A light dusting of powdered sugar after cooling gives a gentle snowy finish if you want a softer look.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Crushed candy canes for decoration
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Divide the dough in half, and wrap each half in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out desired shapes with cookie cutters.
7. Place the cookies on ungreased baking sheets and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving or gifting.

Tips for Best Results

Chill the dough so it is firm enough to roll without sticking and the shapes hold during baking. Use a light dusting of flour while rolling, but avoid overflouring which can dry the dough. For even baking, rotate the sheet halfway through the bake time and watch closely toward the end so the edges do not overbrown. Press the crushed candy cane gently onto each cookie right after they come out of the oven so the pieces adhere as the surface cools. If you prefer a subtler mint flavor, reduce the peppermint extract slightly and add a bit more vanilla.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store fully cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer parchment between cookies to protect decorations and keep the candy cane crunch intact. The dough can be made ahead, wrapped tightly, and refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for longer storage; thaw in the fridge before rolling. Baked cookies freeze well for up to three months when sealed in a freezer-safe container.

Final Thought

These Magical Candy Cane Cookies are a joyful holiday staple that look beautiful on a platter and taste even better shared. They are simple to adapt with different cookie cutters and decoration styles for a personal touch. Whip up a batch for cookie exchanges, gift tins, or a cozy afternoon baking session with family.

Conclusion

For more peppermint inspired ideas and sweet extras to pair with your cookies explore Magical Candy Cane Goodness – Heather Christo for delightful recipes and seasonal inspiration: Magical Candy Cane Goodness – Heather Christo.

FAQ

Print