Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies Recipe - American Classic with Peppermint Flavor

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10-12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Candy Cane Cookies are a festive and fun treat to enjoy during the holiday season. These cookies are not only delicious, but they also add a touch of whimsy to any dessert table with their iconic candy cane shape.

History

Candy Cane Cookies have been a popular holiday treat for many years. The combination of peppermint and sugar cookie flavors makes them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. These cookies are often made during the Christmas season and are a staple at holiday parties and cookie exchanges.

Ingredients

1 box of sugar cookie mix
0.5 stick of melted butter
1 egg
0.33 cup of softened cream cheese
0.5 cup of all-purpose flour, plus additional for surface
red food coloring
1.5 tsp of peppermint extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, cream cheese, and flour. Mix together until a dough forms.
Separate the dough into 2 equal portions and place them in 2 different bowls.
Gradually add red food coloring to one bowl of dough, kneading together until the desired shade of red is achieved.
To the second bowl of uncolored dough, add peppermint extract and knead together.
On a floured work surface, shape each portion of dough into balls and then roll each ball into 0.25 inch-wide ropes, each about 6 inches long.
For each cookie, carefully twist some of the red and white ropes of dough together to create a candy cane shape.
Spread the candy canes out on cookie sheets and bake them on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool before serving.

Variations

Add crushed candy canes to the dough for an extra minty crunch.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a decorative touch.
Use different food coloring to create a variety of colored candy cane cookies.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy dough.

- When adding the food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade of red.

- To create the candy cane shape, twist the red and white ropes of dough together gently to avoid breaking the dough.

- Bake the cookies on the top shelf of the oven to prevent them from browning too quickly on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Candy Cane Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a festive holiday treat.

Cooking Techniques

Knead the dough gently to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.

- Twist the ropes of dough together carefully to create the candy cane shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

- Substitute almond extract for peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Candy Cane Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the baked Candy Cane Cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Candy Cane Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cookies in a 325°F (163°C) oven for 5 minutes to warm them up.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Candy Cane Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Candy Cane Cookies contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Candy Cane Cookies contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Candy Cane Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Candy Cane Cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Candy Cane Cookies contain dairy (cream cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Candy Cane Cookies are a sweet treat that is moderate in calories and contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats. They are not a significant source of protein, vitamins, or minerals.

Summary

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of peppermint and sugar cookies in a fun and festive way. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the Christmas season.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a cold winter day, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious holiday treats. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I knew I was in for a real treat.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. She was busy rolling out dough, and I could see candy canes scattered all over the kitchen counter. Curious, I asked her what she was making. With a mischievous grin, she replied, "Candy Cane Cookies, my dear. They are a family tradition, and I just know you will love them."

I watched intently as Martha expertly shaped the dough into candy cane shapes, carefully twisting the red and white strands together. The cookies looked so festive and inviting, I couldn't wait to try one. In no time at all, the cookies were baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent of peppermint and vanilla.

As Martha and I sat down to enjoy a cup of tea, she shared the story of how she came to learn this special recipe. It had been passed down through generations in her family, a cherished tradition that brought joy and laughter to all who tasted the cookies. Martha's eyes sparkled with fond memories as she reminisced about baking these cookies with her grandmother as a young girl.

Inspired by Martha's story, I knew I had to learn how to make these delicious Candy Cane Cookies for myself. I begged her to teach me the recipe, and she happily obliged. Together, we measured out the ingredients and mixed the dough, the kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet smell of baking cookies.

After the cookies had cooled, Martha showed me how to carefully dip them in a sugary glaze and sprinkle them with crushed candy canes. The cookies looked like little works of art, almost too pretty to eat. But as soon as I took a bite, I was hooked. The cookies were light and buttery, with a refreshing hint of peppermint that made them perfect for the holiday season.

From that day on, Candy Cane Cookies became a staple in my own holiday baking repertoire. I would make them every year, sharing them with friends and family who couldn't get enough of their festive charm. The recipe became a treasured tradition in my own household, a symbol of the joy and love that the holiday season brings.

As the years passed, I continued to bake Martha's Candy Cane Cookies, each batch a reminder of the special bond we shared and the memories we had created together in her cozy kitchen. Whenever I baked these cookies, I felt Martha's presence with me, guiding my hands and filling my heart with warmth and happiness.

And so, every holiday season, I bake a fresh batch of Candy Cane Cookies, passing on the recipe to my grandchildren and sharing with them the story of how I discovered this special treat. The memory of that cold winter day in Martha's kitchen will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of friendship, tradition, and the simple joy of baking something delicious with love.