There’s something truly special about the delicious aroma of cookies baking in the oven, especially during the holiday season. Traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making them the perfect treat for family gatherings, cozy afternoons, or festive celebrations. The combination of sweet butter, crushed peppermint candies, and a hint of vanilla brings comfort that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
This delightful recipe includes a handful of simple yet delightful ingredients: 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, an egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of crushed peppermint candies, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, a splash of red food coloring for a festive touch if desired, and an egg white used for the egg wash. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a sweet peppermint scent, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste.
Method-wise, these cookies are straightforward and accessible, perfect for all skill levels. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then incorporate the egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the flour and salt before dividing the dough in two. In one half, mix in the peppermint candies and extract, while coloring the other half with red food coloring, if preferred. Then, roll the dough, twist them into candy cane shapes, and bake until lightly golden. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for that finishing touch.
These cookies are fantastic for chilly nights, family holiday events, or gifting to friends and neighbors. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa or arranging a beautiful cookie platter for guests, they will garner smiles and compliments from everyone who has the pleasure of tasting them.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Cookie
- Easy to Make: Even beginner bakers can whip these up with ease.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and vanilla is a classic holiday flavor that brings cheer.
- Family-Friendly: Kids enjoy joining in on the fun of shaping the dough and decorating.
- Versatile Decoration: You can personalize your cookies with colored sugar or additional peppermint pieces.
- Perfect for Gifting: Wrap them up in festive packaging for a delightful holiday gift.
Butter Tips
When making these cookies, the butter stands out as a key ingredient. It’s essential to use softened butter to ensure it creams properly with the powdered sugar, resulting in a smooth texture. Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces and microwave it for a few seconds until it’s softened. Just ensure it doesn’t melt, as that will affect how the cookies bake.
Options for Substitutions
- Butter: Substitute with margarine for a dairy-free version.
- Egg: Use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a vegan egg alternative.
- Powdered Sugar: You can make your own from granulated sugar in a blender.
- All-purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour can be swapped for a healthier option.
- Peppermint Extract: If unavailable, you can use mint extract for a slightly different flavor.
- Red Food Coloring: Leave it out for a natural look, or use natural colorants like beet juice.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
When it comes to making these scrumptious cookies, there are some common pitfalls to avoid.
Firstly, do not over-bake the cookies. Keep an eye on them in the oven; they should be light golden on the edges and soft in the center. Over-baking can lead to dry cookies, which nobody wants.
Secondly, ensure that you measure your flour correctly. Too much flour can yield dry cookies. It’s best to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Lastly, when twisting the dough ropes, make sure they aren’t too thick. If the ropes are too bulky, they won’t cook evenly, leading to uneven results. A gentle hand will yield beautiful candy cane shapes that bake perfectly.
What to Serve With Traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Cookie?
These cookies pair beautifully with a variety of warm beverages. Consider serving them with a cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, a steamy chai tea, or even a classic cup of coffee. They can also be a delightful addition to a festive dessert platter, accompanied by gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies for more variety.
Storage Instructions
Store: These cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about 5 to 7 days, preserving their freshness.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them on a stovetop in a pan over low heat until just heated through.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 11 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 180-220
- Protein: 2-4 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Additional powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or keep them ungreased if you prefer.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial, as it helps incorporate air into the dough for light and fluffy cookies.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. The mixture should be uniform and creamy, which will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt. You may want to do this in parts to ensure everything mixes evenly without getting flour everywhere. Stir until the dough forms a soft ball.
Step 5: Divide and Flavor the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions. In one portion, mix in the crushed peppermint candies and peppermint extract. This will give one half a lovely candy-cane flavor. If you desire, add a few drops of red food coloring to the second half to create a light pink dough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Take small pieces of each dough and roll them into 6-inch long ropes. Make them uniform in thickness for even baking. Then, twist one red and one white rope together to form the classic candy cane shape.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the shaped cookies on your prepared baking sheets with enough space in between. Brush each cookie with egg white to create a beautiful glaze as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 9-11 minutes or until they are lightly golden. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.
Step 9: Cool and Dust
Once baked, allow your cookies to cool for a few minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack. If desired, dust with additional powdered sugar while they are still warm.
In summary, the Traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Cookie is not only a delightful treat but also a wonderful way to create memories with family and friends. The combination of buttery goodness and refreshing peppermint is truly irresistible. I invite you to try this recipe in your kitchen, share your experiences, and explore similar festive delights. Get ready to fill your home with joy and deliciousness this season!
Print
Traditional Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful peppermint candy cane cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed peppermint candies
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Additional powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets.
- Cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until well incorporated.
- Blend in flour and salt until dough forms a soft ball.
- Divide the dough into two portions; mix crushed peppermint candies and extract in one half, color the other half with red food coloring.
- Roll small pieces of dough into 6-inch long ropes.
- Twist one red and one white rope together to form a candy cane shape.
- Brush each cookie with egg white for glaze.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Ensure the butter is softened to cream with sugar effectively. Don’t over-bake the cookies to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg