Get into the holiday spirit with these festive candy cane-shaped cookies! A fun, colorful treat that’s perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 ½ cups flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- Red food coloring
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part plain and mix red food coloring into the other half until you reach your desired shade.
- Take a small piece of the plain dough and a small piece of the red dough. Roll each into ropes about 4 inches long, then twist them together gently. Bend the top to form a candy cane shape.
- Place the candy cane cookies onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until set but not browned.
- While the cookies are still warm, sprinkle the crushed candy canes over them.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.
Enjoy these cute and festive candy cane cookies as a fun holiday treat!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a drop of peppermint extract to the dough.
- To avoid sticking, roll the dough ropes on a lightly floured surface.
FAQs:
- Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the cookies. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure the candy canes are fully cooled before freezing. - Can I use other colors?
Yes! You can get creative and use different colors for a twist on the traditional red-and-white candy cane. - How can I prevent the dough from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the cookies helps them hold their shape better during baking. - Do I have to use almond extract?
No, you can skip it or substitute it with another flavor like peppermint for a more traditional candy cane flavor.
These adorable candy cane cookies will bring festive cheer to your holiday baking, offering a perfect blend of sweetness and fun for everyone to enjoy.
