Candy Cane Cookies
Candy Cane Cookies are festive, peppermint-flavored treats with a colorful swirl and crunchy candy topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they combine buttery sweetness with the refreshing zing of peppermint, appealing to both kids and adults alike for their charming appearance and delightful taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix thoroughly the softened butter, shortening, powdered sugar, egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
- Blend in the flour and salt until well combined.
- Divide the dough in half; blend red food coloring into one half.
- Shape 1 teaspoon of dough from each half into 4-inch ropes.
- Press the ropes together and twist to form a candy cane shape.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet and curve the top down to resemble a cane.
- Bake for about 9 minutes.
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candy and sugar mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a festive twist, consider replacing almond extract with peppermint extract for an extra minty flavor. If you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the powdered sugar to 3/4 cup. Be sure not to overbake the cookies, as they should remain soft and chewy. For a variation, try adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture. These cookies also pair beautifully with a slice of Blue Ribbon Buttermilk Pie.
Serving Suggestions
These candy cane cookies make for a delightful holiday treat, perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy experience. They also pair well with a slice of Heavenly Coconut Cake for a festive dessert table, creating a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, place cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes until they are slightly softened, ensuring they maintain their chewy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candy Cane Cookies contains roughly 133 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking. This is a great way to save time during the busy holiday season.
What can I use if I don't have red food coloring?
If you prefer not to use food coloring, you can omit it entirely for a plain version of these cookies. Alternatively, you can use natural colorants like beet juice or pomegranate juice, but keep in mind that the color may not be as vibrant.
How do I make the cookies more festive?
You can enhance the festive feel by drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies or adding colorful sprinkles on top along with the crushed peppermint. These small additions will make your candy cane cookies stand out on any holiday dessert table.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).