Divine Christmas Candy Cane Cookies | Made by Meaghan Moineau
**Title: Celebrate the Holidays with Divine Christmas Candy Cane Cookies**
**Description:** Embrace the holiday spirit with our delightful Candy Cane Cookies, a heavenly treat that combines the minty freshness of peppermint with the sweetness of a buttery cookie. Perfect for sharing, these cookies will bring joy to every festive gathering. Follow our detailed guide to create these charming confections and discover the heartwarming family story behind this treasured recipe.
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**A Sweet Holiday Tradition: Divine Christmas Candy Cane Cookies**
As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, evoking cherished memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. One such nostalgic treat that has become a staple in our household is the delightful Candy Cane Cookie. With its vibrant colors and refreshing peppermint flavor, this cookie is not just a dessert, but a symbol of holiday joy and togetherness.
**Recipe Overview**
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- Red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Creaming the Butter**: Begin by creaming the unsalted butter until it achieves a smooth, fluffy texture. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and airy.
2. **Mixing the Wet Ingredients**: Incorporate the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.
3. **Incorporating the Dry Ingredients**: Add the all-purpose flour in two additions. First, add half of the flour, stirring until fully incorporated, then add the remaining flour. Mix until you attain a firm, smooth dough.
4. **Coloring the Dough**: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half, kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
5. **Chilling the Dough**: Wrap both dough balls in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, allowing the dough to firm up.
6. **Shaping the Cookies**: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). On a lightly floured surface, take a walnut-sized piece of red dough and a walnut-sized piece of white dough. Roll each into a 10-12 cm long rope. Place the ropes side by side and gently twist them together, pressing slightly to form a spiral. Shape by bending one end into a hook, creating the iconic candy cane shape.
7. **Baking**: Line the cookies on baking paper about 2 cm apart. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the edges start to brown. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
**A Cherished Family Memory**
Every Christmas, my grandmother would gather the family in her cozy kitchen, the heart of her home. With flour dusting the countertops and laughter echoing off the walls, we would embark on our annual cookie-baking adventure. The Candy Cane Cookies were always my favorite part. My siblings and I would compete to see who could create the most perfect twist, our hands sticky with dough and faces smeared with flour. As the cookies baked, the kitchen would be filled with the sweet scent of peppermint, wrapping us in a warm, festive embrace. To this day, the taste of these cookies transports me back to those precious moments, a reminder of the simple joys and loving bonds that define the holiday season.
**Difficulty Level: 5/10**
**Classification: Dessert**
Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these Candy Cane Cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With their delightful appearance and delicious taste, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with warmth and cheer!