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Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

Magic of Candy Cane Cookies

These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat, featuring a soft vanilla and peppermint-flavored dough twisted into cheerful red and white candy cane shapes. Perfect for decorating, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of cocoa!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (alcohol-free)
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • as needed red gel food coloring

Method
 

  1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until dough forms.
  4. Divide dough in half. Color one half with red gel food coloring. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
  5. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll equal pieces of red and white dough into ropes, twist together, and shape into candy canes.
  7. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until just set. Cool on trays before serving.

Notes

Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate for extra festive flair. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.