Name: Candy Cane Cookies Striped
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes; 1 cup white chocolate chips

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There’s something magical about holiday baking, isn’t there? The air fills with sweet aromas, and every cookie seems to bring a little more cheer. One of my absolute favorites to whip up around this time of year are candy cane cookies striped. They’re not just cookies; they’re festive little works of art that make the season feel extra special. I remember the first time I made these with my kids. We had flour everywhere, and their giggles filled the kitchen as we twisted the dough into those delightful stripes. It was a bit chaotic, but that’s what made it so much fun! The bright red and white swirls remind me of candy canes hanging on the tree, and the sweet crunch of crushed candy canes on top? Pure bliss. Every bite takes me back to those joyful moments, surrounded by family and laughter. So, if you’re ready to create some cookie magic this holiday season, let’s dive into making these delightful candy cane cookies together!

Ingredients List

To create these delightful candy cane cookies striped, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup softened butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

For the Decoration:

1/2 cup crushed candy canes
1 cup white chocolate chips

How to Prepare Candy Cane Cookies Striped

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than doughy centers!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a mixing bowl, cream together your softened butter, sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. You’re looking for that light, airy texture that almost feels like a cloud – this means you’ve got enough air incorporated. It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. If your arm starts to ache, don’t worry, it just means you’re working hard for those delicious cookies!

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Now, let’s add in those large eggs one at a time. It’s super important to mix well after each addition. You want to make sure they’re fully blended into the butter-sugar mixture before adding the next egg. This step should take another minute or so. Then stir in that lovely vanilla extract – the aroma will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly combined. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; a few flour streaks are okay!

Step 5: Prepare the Dough

Now it’s time for a little fun! Divide the dough in half. In one half, mix in the crushed candy canes. This will give that festive flavor and crunch. The other half stays plain – this is key for creating those beautiful stripes later. Make sure to mix until the candy canes are evenly distributed!

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Take each half of the dough and roll it into long ropes, about 1/2 inch thick. Then, twist the two ropes together gently to create that delightful striped pattern. It’s like making a candy cane! Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; each cookie will be unique and charming in its own way.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

Place your shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you want them to be set but not too dark. A good tip? Look for the edges to be just starting to turn golden. They’ll continue to cook slightly on the sheet after you take them out!

Step 8: Decorating the Cookies

Once your cookies are cooled, it’s time to get creative! Melt your white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the cookies. Then sprinkle more crushed candy canes on top for that extra crunch and festive flair. The combination of white chocolate and candy canes is pure magic!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each of these delightful candy cane cookies striped. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:

Calories: 120
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 50mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 100 IU
Calcium: 10mg
Iron: 0mg

These cookies are a delightful treat to enjoy during the holiday season, but remember to savor them in moderation. Happy baking!

Tips for Success

Getting those candy cane cookies striped just right can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft and sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and shape into those lovely ropes.
Even Baking: Make sure to space your cookies adequately on the baking sheet. This allows them to spread and bake evenly. I usually leave about 2 inches between each cookie.
Check for Doneness: Remember, every oven is a little different. If you notice the edges just starting to turn golden, it’s time to pull them out. They’ll continue cooking a bit once out of the oven!
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also prevents the cookies from sticking, ensuring they come off without breaking.
Presentation is Key: When decorating, don’t be shy with the white chocolate drizzle and crushed candy canes! A generous sprinkle creates a beautiful finish that’s sure to impress.

With these tips, you’re all set to create a batch of candy cane cookies that will be the highlight of your holiday gatherings. Happy baking, and enjoy the festive spirit!

Variations on Candy Cane Cookies Striped

If you’re ready to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations to try with these candy cane cookies striped! Whether you want to play with flavors, colors, or toppings, here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

Chocolate Peppermint Twist: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to one half of the dough to create a chocolate version. This adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the peppermint from the candy canes!
Fun with Color: Instead of just the classic red and white, try using gel food coloring to create vibrant stripes. You can use green or even blue to match your holiday theme. Just add a few drops to each half of the dough and mix until you achieve your desired shade.
Nutty Crunch: For an added texture, mix in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the plain dough. The nuts bring a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the candy canes.
Mint Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a minty chocolate cookie. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with crushed peppermint for a delicious twist!
Cookie Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into delightful sandwiches! Spread a layer of peppermint frosting or even a simple buttercream between two cookies for a festive treat that’s sure to wow your guests.

These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to personalize your candy cane cookies striped. Get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment – the holiday season is all about joy and sharing delicious treats!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked your delightful candy cane cookies striped, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store them properly:

Airtight Container: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy, preventing them from drying out. I usually line the bottom of the container with parchment paper for extra protection.
Layering: If you’re stacking your cookies, place sheets of parchment paper between the layers. This helps prevent them from sticking together and getting crushed.
Keep Away from Heat: Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. This will help maintain their texture and flavor for longer.

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they should stay fresh for up to a week. But don’t worry if they start to lose their crunch; there’s a simple fix!

Reheating: To revive that delightful texture, you can pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds – about 10-15 seconds should do the trick! This will warm them up and soften the cookies, making them feel freshly baked again. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you’ll end up with a gooey mess!

So, whether you’re enjoying them right away or saving a batch for later, these tips will help keep your candy cane cookies striped tasting just as magical as the day you made them. Happy baking!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I make these candy cane cookies striped ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and chill it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before shaping and baking.

Q2. What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and hard to work with, don’t panic! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it firmer and much easier to roll and shape those lovely striped cookies.

Q3. Can I freeze the candy cane cookies striped?
Yes, you can! Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag with layers of parchment paper between them. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

Q4. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of sugar by about 1/4 cup. You can also use a darker chocolate instead of white chocolate for drizzling. This will balance the sweetness and give a rich flavor.

Q5. Can I customize the flavor of the cookies?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors. You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra minty kick, or mix in some citrus zest for a refreshing twist. The possibilities are endless!