Description
Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines rich buttery vanilla dough with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Their vibrant red and white swirls not only make them visually stunning but also add a festive touch to any gathering. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply enjoying with loved ones at home, these cookies are easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor or the addition of chocolate chips, this recipe will help you create irresistible cookies that leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- Red food coloring (gel preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until smooth.
- Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; color one half with red food coloring until desired shade is reached.
- Roll about 1 teaspoon of each colored dough into 4-inch ropes, twisting them together to form candy cane shapes.
- Place on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottoms. Cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg