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Magical Candy Cane Cookies

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These Magical Candy Cane Cookies are festive, soft, and full of sweet peppermint flavor, with red and white dough twisted into whimsical candy cane shapes. Perfect for holiday baking and spreading seasonal cheer.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Red food coloring
  • Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies (optional, for garnish)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until well combined.
  4. Gradually stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half. Leave one half plain; tint the other with red food coloring.
  6. Wrap each dough half in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
  7. Roll a small piece of each color into 4–5 inch ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together, then curve the top to form a candy cane shape.
  8. Place shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets.
  9. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until just set but not browned.
  10. Optional: While warm, sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or dust with powdered sugar.
  11. Cool completely on a wire rack before storing or serving.

Notes

  • Substitute almond extract for peppermint for a different flavor twist.
  • Roll cookies in sanding sugar before baking for a sparkly finish.
  • Dip ends in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a gourmet touch.
  • Skip shaping and make drop cookies for a simpler version.
  • Add a bit of citrus zest for a fresh holiday variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/magical-candy-cane-cookies/