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Candy Cane Cookies

Irresistible Candy Cane Cookies: A 15-Year Family Secret

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A swirl of red and white peppermint dough shaped like candy canes—Magic of Candy Cane Cookies are a soft, festive treat that tastes like the holidays.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temp
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Red gel food coloring

Instructions

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

Notes

  • Chill dough between batches for easier handling.
  • Use a teaspoon to portion evenly.
  • Gel food coloring is best—less mess, bolder color.
  • Dough can be frozen up to 3 months.
  • For extra sparkle, dust with sanding sugar before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg