If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat to brighten up your holiday celebrations, these Easy Candy Cane Cookies are just what you need! These delightful cookies are not only easy to make but also bursting with peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to your Christmas cookie platter.

What makes these cookies so special is their signature candy cane shape and the refreshing peppermint flavor, complemented by a sweet drizzle of icing. This Easy Candy Cane Cookies recipe is sure to be a hit with friends and family during the holiday season!

These Easy Candy Cane Cookies feature a soft, buttery dough flavored with peppermint, shaped into festive candy canes, and finished with a light icing drizzle. Ready in about 1 hour (plus chilling time), these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just as a delightful treat for yourself!

With straightforward ingredients and easy preparation, you can whip up this scrumptious recipe in no time. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Exciting Story:

The first time I made Easy Candy Cane Cookies, it was for our annual holiday cookie decorating party. I wanted to create something that was not only festive but also fun for everyone to make. As I mixed the buttery dough and added the peppermint extract, the sweet, minty aroma filled my kitchen, instantly putting me in the holiday spirit!

Once baked and decorated, these cookies looked absolutely adorable, and the first bite was pure delight—the soft texture combined with the refreshing peppermint flavor was simply magical. These Easy Candy Cane Cookies quickly became a favorite in my household, spreading joy and sweetness throughout the season!

Why These Easy Candy Cane Cookies?

• Festive and Fun: The candy cane shape and peppermint flavor make these cookies a perfect holiday treat.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for holiday baking sessions!
• Customizable: Decorate these cookies with colorful icing, sprinkles, or crushed candy canes to make them your own.

How to Make Easy Candy Cane Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
3. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a 4-inch long rope, then bend it into a candy cane shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or liquid as needed. Add peppermint extract if desired.
8. Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with red and white sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
9. Enjoy: Your Easy Candy Cane Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Tips For Easy Candy Cane Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to ensure they stay soft and chewy.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different Flavors: Substitute the peppermint extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use low-fat butter or a dairy-free substitute and reduce the sugar for a lighter option.

Closing For Easy Candy Cane Cookies

And there you have it! These Easy Candy Cane Cookies are a beautiful and delicious treat that will impress anyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delightful options!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Candy Cane Cookies

How long can I store leftovers?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.

What can I use instead of butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Can I use different types of extract?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors, like lemon or orange, to change the flavor profile.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

Can I add other flavors?
Yes! A splash of almond extract or lemon zest can enhance the flavor profile.

What if I want to make it sweeter?
Feel free to increase the sugar in the cookie dough or icing to taste.

What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk for a delightful complement!

How can I make this more festive?
Consider adding colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun presentation!

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
These cookies are best served at room temperature and should not be reheated.

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container, and thaw at room temperature before serving.

How can I enhance the flavors?
Consider adding a drizzle of melted chocolate or crushed peppermint candy on top before serving for an extra touch!

Easy Candy Cane Cookies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Christmas, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• Optional: Red and white sprinkles for decoration

• For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2-3 tablespoons milk or water

• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (optional)

Directions

• Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll each portion into a 4-inch long rope, then bend it into a candy cane shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Make the Icing: In a bowl, mix the powdered sugar with milk or water until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or liquid as needed. Add peppermint extract if desired.
• Decorate: Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the icing over the cookies and sprinkle with red and white sprinkles or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
• Enjoy: Your Easy Candy Cane Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!