Candy Cane Cookies

The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with some delightful Candy Cane Cookies? These cookies are as charming as they are delicious, offering a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and chocolatey goodness. Shaped into iconic candy cane twists, they’re sure to bring a festive touch to your cookie platter.

This recipe is straightforward enough for baking beginners, yet impressive enough to wow your family and friends. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake these holiday wonders!

Why These Cookies Are Holiday Perfection

Candy Cane Cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines the simplicity of a sugar cookie with the festive flair of the holidays. They’re more than just cookies; they’re a seasonal tradition waiting to be embraced. Whether you bake them as a fun family activity or as a show-stopping addition to your dessert table, they’re bound to become a holiday staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Candy Cane Cookies:

For the Cookie Dough:

• Butter: The foundation of a rich and soft cookie.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the creamy texture.
• Egg: Provides structure and binds the dough together.
• Vanilla: Infuses warmth and enhances the flavor profile.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: A touch of leavening for a slight lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Adds the chocolatey twist to half of the dough.

You’ll need the following tools for making the Candy Cane Cookies:

• Mixing Bowls: A large bowl for combining the cookie dough ingredients and smaller ones for measuring.
• Measuring Scale: To accurately measure all your ingredients in grams.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars, and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: To fold in the dry ingredients and combine the mixtures.
• Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 160 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 140 g (2/3 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 290 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for half of the dough)

Directions:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Start by beating 160 g of room-temperature butter and 140 g of sugar until light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies are tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in one egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until well incorporated. This provides richness and flavor to the dough.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together 290 g of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Dividing & Coloring the Dough:

1. Split and Customize: Divide the dough into two equal parts. For one half, knead in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder. This gives the cookies their contrasting chocolate layer.

Shaping the Candy Canes:

1. Roll and Twist: Divide each dough half into equal portions. Roll each portion into thin logs, approximately the same length. Twist one chocolate log with one vanilla log, gently rolling them together to create the classic candy cane swirl.
2. Shape into Candy Canes: Carefully bend the twisted logs into candy cane shapes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they’re set but not browned. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Cookies:

• Chill if Necessary: If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to make handling easier.
• Even Twists: Roll the dough logs evenly to ensure uniform candy canes.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when slightly soft. Keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overbrowning.

General Tips:

• Baking Sheets: Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking and to promote even baking. If you don’t have either, make sure to lightly grease the baking sheets.
• Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking apart.
• Serving: Serve these cookies slightly warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or dessert.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Dough Too Sticky: If your dough is sticky, add a bit more flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it’s manageable.
• Dough Too Dry: If the dough is crumbly, mix in a teaspoon of milk or water at a time until it comes together.
• Uneven Twists: Take your time rolling and twisting to achieve consistent results.

Decorating Ideas

While the two-tone twist is already stunning, you can take these cookies up a notch:

• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on the cookies after dipping in chocolate for added flavor and texture.
• Add Sprinkles: Brush the cookies with a bit of egg wash before baking, then sprinkle with coarse sugar or edible glitter.
• Dip in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip the ends of the candy canes in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

More Christmas Baking Ideas:

• Marbled Chocolate Christmas Cookies – Elegant and easy, these buttery cookies are decorated with swirls of white and dark chocolate for a dazzling holiday treat.
• Santa Hat Cookies – These jam-filled Linzer cookies shaped like Santa hats will be the highlight of your cookie exchange this year!
• Melted Snowman Cookies – Creative and delicious, these cookies feature melted marshmallows and charming decorations for a frosty holiday vibe.
• Cinnamon Stars (Zimtsterne) – A timeless classic made with nuts and cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies are a staple of holiday baking.
• Roasted Matcha Cookies – With their unique roasted matcha flavor and creamy topping, these cookies bring a modern twist to your holiday treats.

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: