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Magical Candy Cane Cookies Recipe | Festive Holiday Baking

Magical Candy Cane Cookies Recipe | Festive Holiday Baking
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Magical Candy Cane Cookies are a festive holiday treat combining classic buttery cookie texture with refreshing peppermint crunch. These minty, colorful cookies are easy to make, kid-friendly, and perfect for gifting or cozy winter nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Sugars & Flavoring

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Soften the unsalted butter to room temperature, crush the candy canes into small pieces, and measure all dry ingredients to have everything ready for smooth preparation.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cookies.
  3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring the dough is smooth and uniform. Add peppermint extract if using for an extra minty flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form the cookie dough.
  5. Fold in Crushed Candy Canes: Gently fold the crushed candy canes into the dough, taking care not to over-mix so the peppermint pieces remain intact and evenly distributed.
  6. Shape and Chill: Roll dough into small balls, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and chill for at least 30 minutes to help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
  7. Bake and Cool: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter to achieve the perfect creamy texture for your cookie dough.
  • Chilling the dough prevents spreading and keeps candy cane pieces crunchy.
  • Crush candy canes finely for better flavor distribution and pleasant texture without overpowering bites.
  • Watch baking time carefully; cookies go from soft to overbaked quickly after 10 minutes.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and peppermint crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: candy cane cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, Christmas treats, mint cookies, gluten free cookies

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/magical-candy-cane-cookies-recipe-festive-holiday-baking/