White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

White chocolate candy cane cookies are a delightful treat perfect for celebrating the holiday season. The combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy, minty candy canes brings a festive touch to any gathering. These cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to fit various occasions, whether it’s a family gathering or a cookie exchange. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these charming cookies that embody the spirit of the holidays.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: The blend of white chocolate and candy canes offers a unique taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treats: These cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering, delighting both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like nuts or dried fruits for a personalized touch.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in festive boxes for an adorable homemade gift that shows you care.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started, ensure you have all the necessary tools at hand. This will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Cookie scoop or spoon
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring your butter and sugars are perfectly creamed together.
• Cookie scoop: Helps create uniform cookie sizes for even baking and presentation.
• Baking sheets: Essential for placing your cookie dough; non-stick options or those lined with parchment ensure easy release after baking.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Candy Canes

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may appear slightly underbaked; they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious white chocolate candy cane cookies!

How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

White chocolate candy cane cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various treats and drinks to enhance the festive spirit. Here are some serving suggestions that will make your holiday gatherings even more special.

With Hot Cocoa

• Classic Hot Cocoa: Serve these cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy combination.
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Pair with peppermint-infused hot chocolate for an extra minty experience that complements the cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Add these cookies to a platter of assorted holiday cookies for a colorful and festive display.
• With Fruit: Include fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside the cookies to balance out the sweetness with a tart flavor.

As Party Favors

• Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons for charming party favors.
• Cookie Jars: Fill jars with these cookies and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family during the holidays.

How to Perfect White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

To ensure your white chocolate candy cane cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these tips. They will help you achieve the ideal texture and flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and helps maintain shape.
• Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

These white chocolate candy cane cookies can shine alongside various side dishes that complement their sweet and minty flavors. Here are some great ideas:

1. Peppermint Bark: A sweet treat made from layers of white chocolate and dark chocolate, sprinkled with crushed candy canes.
2. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake squares that provide a creamy contrast to the crunch of the cookie.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels covered in chocolate offer a delightful contrast to sweet cookies.
5. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with holiday spices add crunch and savory depth to your dessert spread.
6. Eggnog Flavored Mousse: A light and airy mousse flavored with nutmeg enhances the holiday theme beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these white chocolate candy cane cookies is simple, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Skipping the Softening Step: Using cold butter can result in dense cookies. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a softer texture.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Incorrect measurements can affect your cookie dough consistency. Use the scoop and level method for accurate flour measurement.
• Ignoring Oven Preheating: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
• Forgetting to Cool on a Rack: Cooling cookies on the baking sheet can make them soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool properly and maintain their texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies for easy separation.

Reheating White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about white chocolate candy cane cookies and their answers.

How do I make my White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies chewier?

To make chewier cookies, try chilling the dough before baking. This helps the flavors meld and creates a denser texture.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate chips will add a rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with minty candy canes.

What variations can I try with White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or substitute with different flavored extracts such as peppermint or almond for a unique twist.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Excessive spreading may indicate that the butter was too warm or that there was not enough flour in the dough. Ensure proper measurements and chill the dough if needed.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for similar results.

Final Thoughts

These white chocolate candy cane cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of year. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them versatile; feel free to customize with different chocolates or mix-ins. Try making them today and add some festive cheer to your dessert table!

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White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies! The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs perfectly with the refreshing crunch of candy canes, creating a treat that will enchant your taste buds and brighten your holiday gatherings. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners, making it a great choice for cookie exchanges or family celebrations. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of irresistible cookies ready to impress friends, family, or anyone who appreciates a sweet holiday snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup crushed candy canes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes evenly into the dough.
7. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; let cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg