Description
These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a buttery, tender texture and a hint of peppermint or almond flavor. Easy to make and perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties, these cookies combine classic ingredients with a colorful, sparkling sugar coating for a cheerful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or peppermint extract; use 1/2 teaspoon if concentrated)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
Decoration
- 1/2 cup regular sugar
- 1/2 cup red decorating sugar (or crushed peppermint candies)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond or peppermint extract until well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients and color the dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Add the red food coloring and knead gently until the color is evenly distributed.
- Shape and coat the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a shallow dish, combine the regular sugar and red decorating sugar or crushed peppermint candies. Roll dough into small balls, then roll each ball in the sugar mixture to coat thoroughly. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove the baking sheets and allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, substitute almond extract with peppermint extract, but start with half the amount to avoid overpowering the dough.
- Using crushed peppermint candies for the coating will add extra crunch and festive flavor.
- Ensure the flour is spooned and leveled for accurate measurement to keep the dough soft and tender.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- To enhance the red color, use gel-based food coloring for more vibrant results without altering dough consistency.
