| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 9 mins – 12 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 297 | 11g | 6g | 46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 23g | 1g | 5g | 0.3g |
Every holiday season, my family gathers around the table, fervent anticipation rising as the scent of fresh Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies wafts through the air. Baking these festive treats not only fills the kitchen with the warm, aromatic harmony of vanilla and peppermint, but it also rekindles cherished memories of my childhood Christmases spent with my Italian-American grandparents in New Jersey. These cookies, delightfully crunchy, infused with the crimson specter of candy canes, are the embodiment of holiday love and a welcoming beacon of the upcoming Yuletide fervor.
A Culinary Bond Across Generations
Our Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies recipe, while not typical to an Italian-American repertoire, holds some truly heartwarming sentiments. It was my grandmother, with her lilt Italian accent and hands always ready to nourish, who first introduced me to these delightfully festive cookies. Although not traditionally Italian, she had adapted them to our family gatherings and they quickly became an invaluable part of our holiday tradition.
Now, every year, as I roll out the dough with my grandchildren, sprinkle the crushed candy canes, or paint the stripes of food coloring, I can hear the echo of my grandmother’s laughter; I can almost feel the warmth of her kitchen. These cookies, vibrant and merry, serve not only as a delicious dessert but as a culinary tradition, a thread that weaves our family across generations and continents.
A Feast for the Senses And A Boost For Your Health
Every bite of our Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies delivers a heartwarming testament of the holiday spirit; the crunch of candy cane pieces is underscored by the tender paradox that is the baked cookie dough, bristling with tones of vanilla and peppermint. And the brain thrives on this sensory journey, too! Research suggests that peppermint may have several health benefits, including improving digestive issues and headaches. Also, studies have found it may also enhance memory and increase alertness, which might come in handy during those long holiday nights spent playing board games with the family!
A True Holiday Companion
The beauty of these colorful cookies lies not only in their delightful taste but in their versatility too. Their elegant, candy-striped spiral makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday table setting. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a rich, creamy eggnog, adding a minty note to balance out the sweet, creamy beverage. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, for a sublime, frost-kissed dessert.
Through every crackle and crumble, every sweet, minty mouthful, these Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies carry the spirit of family, celebration, love, and a pinch of Italian-American tradition, one that I am elated to share with the world.
What You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes, for decoration
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling out dough
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). After that, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes if you’re using an electric mixer.
Step Three
Next, blend the large eggs into the mixture one at a time, making sure to mix them in well each time. Following this, stir in the pure vanilla extract and pure peppermint extract to ensure a rich, minty flavor runs through your cookies.
Step Four
In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Be sure to stir well after each addition, ensuring the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step Five
Divide your dough in half. Leave one half as is, and with the other half, stir in the red food coloring until you get a vibrant red color. You can add as much or as little based on your preference.
Step Six
Take about a teaspoon of dough from each half—this means one teaspoon of red dough and another of uncolored dough. Roll each piece on a lightly floured (or sugared) surface into a 4-inch rope. Twist the two ropes together, pinching them at the ends, then curve the top down to form a candy cane shape.
Step Seven
Arrange these canes on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 9-10 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden at the edges.
Step Eight
As the cookies cool, sprinkle them with the crushed candy canes for decoration. Now you’ve got yourself a batch of delightful Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies, perfect for the holiday season or any time you need a sweet, festive treat.
