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Holiday Twist Cookies

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:39 GMT Irresistible Desserts
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By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:08:39 GMT

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A collection of festive cookies shaped like candy canes, decorated with red and white icing, on a baking sheet. Pin it
A collection of festive cookies shaped like candy canes, decorated with red and white icing, on a baking sheet.

The first time I made these Candy Cane Cookies my kitchen turned into a playful holiday workshop. The magic happens when you twist those red and white ropes of dough together creating the most charming little candy cane shapes. Their sweet peppermint aroma fills the house while baking making everything feel wonderfully festive.

Cookie Making Magic

I learned this recipe from my old roommate during our first Christmas together. It's amazing how a simple dough transforms into these whimsical treats. Now every holiday season when I make them I think of those cozy baking afternoons we shared. They always bring such joy to cookie platters.

What You'll Need

  • Unsalted Butter: A cup softened just right makes these tender and rich.
  • Sugar: One cup gives perfect sweetness.
  • Egg: Just one brings everything together.
  • Peppermint Extract: That teaspoon of minty goodness makes these special.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Two and a half cups measured with care.
  • Salt: Half a teaspoon makes flavors pop.
  • Red Food Coloring: Just enough for that candy cane look.
  • Egg White: One for that lovely shine.
  • Sparkling Sugar: Makes them shimmer like snow.

Let's Make Some Magic

Start with your base:
Get that butter and sugar super fluffy then mix in your egg and peppermint.
Create your dough:
Mix in flour and salt until you've got a lovely smooth dough.
Time for color:
Split your dough and turn one half that perfect candy cane red.
Shape with love:
Roll your ropes twist them together and curve into sweet candy canes.

Keep Them Fresh

These cookies are perfect for planning ahead. Pop them in the freezer either before or after baking they'll keep beautifully. I love having a stash ready to go when friends drop by unexpectedly during the holidays.

Holiday Baking Made Easy

The best part about these cookies is how flexible they are with busy schedules. Make the dough ahead keep it in the fridge or freeze the shaped cookies. They're always ready when you need that special holiday touch.

A tray of freshly made cookies shaped like candy canes, decorated with red and white stripes and dusted with powdered sugar.
A tray of freshly made cookies shaped like candy canes, decorated with red and white stripes and dusted with powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Candy cane cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines festive colors and peppermint flavor. Perfect for Christmas celebrations and cookie exchanges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dough is too dry?

Add small amounts of cool water and work it into the dough until it comes together. Be careful not to add too much at once.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

If cookies spread too much, chill the shaped unbaked cookies in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before baking. Also ensure cookie sheets are completely cool between batches.

Why let the cookie sheets cool between batches?

Hot cookie sheets can cause the butter in the dough to melt immediately, resulting in misshapen cookies that spread too much while baking.

How long do these cookies keep?

These cookies will stay fresh for one to two weeks when stored in a sealed container at room temperature.

Why chill the dough?

Chilling for at least 3 hours firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and shape. It also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

4.80 from 123 votes

Candy Cane Cookies

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
24 Minutes
Total Time:
44 Minutes
Servings:
36
A collection of festive cookies shaped like candy canes, decorated with red and white icing, on a baking sheet.
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Festive red and white twisted cookies flavored with peppermint, shaped like candy canes and topped with sparkling sugar.

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks (227g) unsalted butter, room temperature.
  • 1 cup (200g) sugar.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
  • 1 large egg.
  • 2 3/4 cup (385g) all-purpose flour.
  • 1 teaspoon liquid red food coloring.
  • 1 egg white.
  • 2 tablespoons sparkling sugar.

Instructions

1.

1. Make Base: Beat butter, sugar, extracts, baking powder, and salt until paste forms. Beat in egg, then mix in flour.

2.

2. Color Dough: Divide dough in half, add red food coloring to one portion and mix until even.

3.

3. Chill: Form each dough into disk, wrap in plastic, refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.

4.

4. Prepare: Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment.

5.

5. Shape: Roll 1-inch pieces of each color into 5-inch ropes, twist together, and form candy cane shape.

6.

6. Top: Brush with egg white wash and sprinkle with sparkling sugar.

7.

7. Bake: Cook 8-10 minutes until edges are barely brown.

8.

8. Cool: Rest on sheet 10 minutes, then move to cooling rack.

Notes

  1. Add water if dough is too dry.
  2. Chill shaped cookies if spreading occurs.
  3. Let baking sheets cool between batches.
  4. Stores for 1-2 weeks in sealed container.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stand mixer.
  • Baking sheets.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 95
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
  • Protein: 1 g