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Magic of Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

Magic of Candy Cane Cookies are soft, festive peppermint sugar cookies shaped into charming red and white candy cane swirls. With a delicate balance of vanilla and peppermint extracts, these delightful holiday treats bring a splash of color and flavor to your seasonal celebrations.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Red gel food coloring (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy to create a light base for the dough.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  4. Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough evenly into two portions. Add red gel food coloring to one half and mix until the color is uniform, leaving the other half white.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap both the red and white doughs separately in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up for easier handling.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) so it’s ready for baking when the dough is shaped.
  7. Shape Candy Canes: Roll equal portions of red and white dough into ropes, twist them together gently, and shape into classic candy cane forms.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped candy canes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  9. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and still soft, then remove from the oven.
  10. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking trays before transferring them to a wire rack or serving plate.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough between batches makes it easier to shape and handle.
  • Use a teaspoon to portion dough evenly for consistent cookie sizes.
  • Gel food coloring provides bolder color without making the dough too wet.
  • The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months for convenient future baking.
  • For added holiday sparkle, dust the shaped cookies with sanding sugar before baking.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/magic-of-candy-cane-cookies-recipe/