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Festive Candy Cane Cookies

candy cane cookies - featured image

These festive cookies feature red and white swirls with a touch of peppermint, perfect for holiday baking and spreading Christmas cheer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Red gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
  4. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide the dough in half and place one portion in a separate bowl. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to one half and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
  6. Take a small piece of each dough and roll them into two thin ropes. Place the ropes side by side, gently twist them together, and shape them into a candy cane. Repeat until all the dough is used.
  7. Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between them.
  8. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

[‘Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without compromising the dough texture.’, ‘Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes if it feels too soft to handle.’, ‘Adjust the peppermint extract to taste if you prefer a milder flavor.’, ‘Keep the cookie ropes thin for a polished look.’, ‘Twist the dough gently to avoid breaking or cracking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Baking, Peppermint Cookies, Festive Cookies