Looking for a festive treat that brings the holiday spirit to your kitchen? My Candy Cane Slice-and-Bake Cookies are a delicious, easy option for your baking adventures! With a burst of peppermint and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, these cookies are perfect for sharing or enjoying with loved ones. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will make your baking unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts creates a delightful holiday flavor that captures the essence of Christmas.
- Easy to Make: This slice-and-bake method makes preparation simple and convenient, allowing you to enjoy freshly baked cookies with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of crushed candy canes or sprinkles to suit your taste, making each batch unique.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies not only look festive but also make great gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– ¾ cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup crushed candy canes
– Red and green sprinkles for decoration
To make these candy cane slice-and-bake cookies, you’ll need simple and festive ingredients. Start with 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. This is the base for your cookie dough. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda to help the cookies rise.
Next, the butter is crucial. Use 1 cup of unsalted butter that is softened. This helps create a creamy texture when mixing. You will also need ¾ cup each of granulated sugar and powdered sugar. The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while the powdered sugar gives a nice texture.
Flavor is key, so don’t skip the extracts. You need 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. These will give your cookies that classic holiday taste.
Lastly, add ½ teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. The fun part is 1 cup of crushed candy canes. This gives the cookies a crunchy, minty burst. For decoration, use red and green sprinkles to make your cookies look extra festive.
Gather these ingredients, and you will be ready to create a delicious holiday treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. This mix is your base. Whisking helps to blend these dry ingredients, ensuring they work well together. Set this mixture aside for later.
Creaming Butter and Sugars
Next, take a large mixing bowl and add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat these together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Mixing well here gives your cookies a nice, soft texture.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add flavor. Pour in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to the butter mix. Stir until fully mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients you set aside. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it. Lastly, gently fold in the crushed candy canes. This adds a festive crunch to your cookies.
Shape the dough into two logs, each about 2 inches in diameter. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice.
Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Remove the logs from the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut the logs into ¼-inch thick cookies. Place these slices on your baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Sprinkle the tops with red and green sprinkles for a festive touch. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. They are done when the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy the sweet smell of your Candy Cane Slice-and-Bake Cookies!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Perfect Cookies
To make fluffy cookies, start with soft butter. Use room temperature butter. This helps it blend well with sugars. When mixing, beat until light and fluffy. Aim for about 2-3 minutes. Add your extracts next. Mix well to combine all flavors. When adding dry ingredients, do it slowly. This prevents lumps in your dough.
Decorating Ideas
For a festive touch, use red and green sprinkles. After slicing the cookies, sprinkle them on top. You can also mix in crushed candy canes. This adds a fun crunch. Arrange cookies on a colorful plate. Garnish with extra crushed candy canes for flair. This will catch everyone’s eye at your holiday party!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid spreading, chill the dough well. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least two hours. When you slice the cookies, use a sharp knife. This helps keep shapes intact. Watch the baking time closely. Over-baking can lead to dry cookies. Aim for edges that are lightly golden.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie logs for at least 2 hours helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Use Fresh Candy Canes: For the best flavor and crunch, opt for fresh candy canes rather than old or stale ones.
- Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife and a gentle sawing motion to slice the dough logs evenly for consistent baking.
- Decorate After Baking: For a fun twist, consider adding sprinkles after the cookies come out of the oven for a brighter color.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can change the taste of your cookies easily. Try using different extracts. Almond extract gives a warm, nutty flavor. Orange extract adds a bright, fresh twist. Just swap one teaspoon of peppermint extract for your chosen flavor. This keeps the dough fun and festive.
Additional Mix-ins
Want to make the cookies even more special? Add chocolate chips or nuts. Semi-sweet chocolate chips pair well with the candy canes. You can mix in about a cup of chips. Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add a nice crunch. Use about half a cup for a nutty bite.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free cookies, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture. For a vegan option, use vegan butter. Replace the eggs with a flax egg mixture. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
To keep your Candy Cane Slice-and-Bake Cookies fresh, use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can store the cookies at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, try freezing them. Just make sure they are cool before you store them.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze cookie dough logs or baked cookies. For dough logs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This keeps the dough safe for up to three months. If you freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about two months. When you want to bake more cookies, just slice and bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To refresh your cookies after storage, you can warm them up in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them soft and tasty again. If you prefer a microwave, heat them for just 10-15 seconds. Enjoy your festive treat!
FAQs
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap. Place the logs in a freezer bag. You can keep them for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then slice and bake as usual.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh for about one week. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. They freeze well for up to three months.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, use vanilla or almond extract. You can also try orange extract for a different flavor. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This will still give you a tasty cookie.
How do I get the crushed candy canes to stick?
To help the crushed candy canes stick, press them gently into the dough. After slicing, sprinkle some on top of each cookie. You can also add a bit of melted chocolate before the candy canes. This will help them adhere better during baking.
This blog post showed you how to make festive cookies using simple ingredients. You learned about preparation, baking steps, and decorating tips. I shared ideas for flavor twists and dietary changes for everyone. With proper storage and reheating, your cookies will stay fresh for days. Follow these easy steps for delicious, sweet treats that will impress. Now, you can enjoy baking and sharing these cookies with friends and family. Get creative, have fun, and make this recipe your ow
