Ultimate Candy Cane Cookies
These festive cookies combine a classic sugar cookie base with refreshing peppermint and red-and-white candy cane decorations, creating a delightful holiday treat that is both crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1 cup granulated sugar Gives our cookies irresistible sweetness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar Adds elegance and sweetness.
- 1 large egg Binds everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances all the flavors.
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Sift for a lighter texture, if desired.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder Helps cookies rise.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances sweet flavors.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract Adds that dreamy candy cane flavor.
Decoration
- to taste Crushed candy canes Adds a festive touch and crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Create small balls of dough (about a tablespoon in size) and shape them into tiny candy canes.
- Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, and while still warm, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
Cooling
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough if it's too warm to shape. Store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.