These Magical Candy Cane Cookies are festive treats that bring a holiday spirit to your kitchen! With a sweet, minty flavor and a pretty red-and-white swirl, they look as good as they taste.
I always have fun making these cookies, especially during the holiday season! Watching them bake fills the house with a delightful aroma. They’re perfect for sharing or munching on by the fire! 🎄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter for baking since it allows me to control the saltiness. If you’re out, you can substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Granulated Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their sweetness. You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor, or a sugar substitute to make them lower in calories.
Red Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue. If you prefer natural options, beet juice or pomegranate juice can add color, but the result may vary slightly.
Candy Canes: Crush some peppermint candies if you don’t have candy canes. They will give a similar minty touch to your cookies!
What’s the Best Way to Combine Ingredients for Soft Dough?
When making cookies, the way you mix will affect their texture. Always cream the butter and sugar first to trap air, making the cookies light. Here’s how to do it:
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming.
- Beat the mixture well until it’s fluffy and pale in color.
- Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined; don’t overmix at this stage.
- Gradually add flour to prevent lumps. Mix gently until you have a soft dough.
Taking care with these steps will help create the perfect texture for your Magical Candy Cane Cookies!
Magical Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and an additional 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow for some extra time for cooling before you indulge in these sweet treats, making the total time about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly. While it warms up, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process introduces air, which helps make the cookies soft and tender.
3. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed. Make sure you scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients!
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and the salt throughout the flour.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough. You want a soft dough!
6. Divide and Color the Dough:
Divide the dough in half. Keep one half plain and take the other half to add red food coloring. Knead the coloring in until you have a vibrant red dough. Don’t be afraid to get your hands a little messy!
7. Shape the Cookies:
Roll each half of the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Place one red rope next to a plain rope and twist them together gently to create a candy cane stripe effect.
8. Forming the Cookies:
Shape the twisted rope into a circle and pinch the ends together to form a ring-shaped cookie. This gives it that iconic candy cane look!
9. Sugar Coating and Topping:
Roll each cookie lightly in granulated sugar and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes for a festive pop of flavor!
10. Baking:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
11. Cooling:
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit!
12. Enjoy:
Once they’re cool, store your Magical Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container. They make a perfect treat with a glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy the festive spirit of these delicious cookies!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter if needed. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature for the best results!
What If I Don’t Have Red Food Coloring?
If you don’t have red food coloring, you can use beet juice or pomegranate juice for a natural alternative, although the shade may vary slightly. You could also skip it entirely for plain cookies!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.