Cookie Candy Canes Or Valentine Hearts
Sweet and festive cookie candies shaped like candy canes or hearts, blending peppermint and vanilla flavors, perfect for holiday treats and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a medium bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until light and fluffy.
- Add flour and baking powder, beating until blended.
- Divide dough into 2 equal portions.
- Stir red food coloring into one portion of dough, beating or kneading until well blended.
- For each cookie, shape 1 teaspoon of each color dough into a 4-inch long rope, rolling back and forth until smooth and even.
- Place 1 red rope and 1 white rope side by side on a baking sheet.
- Press together lightly and twist.
- Curve one end of the cookie dough down to form the handle of a candy cane.
- Brush with slightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with red sugar crystals.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges begin to brown lightly.
- Remove cookies from baking sheets and cool on racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fun twist, consider substituting half of the butter with coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor. If you prefer a milder mint taste, reduce the peppermint extract to 1/4 teaspoon. For a festive look, sprinkle colored sugar crystals or use different food coloring to create an array of candy cane colors. Ensure the dough is cold when shaping to prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. Pair them with a glass of milk or hot chocolate for a classic combination. For a festive dessert table, serve alongside other treats like Chow Mein Clusters Candy or Herb And Cheese Pull Aparts for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cookie Candy Canes Or Valentine Hearts contains roughly 164 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g 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 use a different type of extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peppermint extract with almond, vanilla, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the overall taste of the cookies will change based on the extract you choose.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up and make it easier to shape. You can also add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
How can I make the cookies more festive for different holidays?
You can easily adapt the colors and shapes of these cookies for various holidays. Use green and red for Christmas or pink and white for Valentine's Day. Additionally, you can sprinkle themed decorations or edible glitter on top to enhance the festive appearance.
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).