Candy Cane Sugar Cookies Recipe
There’s something magical about the holiday season, especially when it comes to baking. One of my favorite festive treats is Candy Cane Sugar Cookies. These delightful cookies capture the essence of winter holidays with their cheerful red and white swirls and sweet peppermint flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a fun baking project with the kids, or simply craving something seasonal, these cookies check all the boxes!
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Candy Cane Sugar Cookies a must-try this season? First, they’re a delightful combination of cream cheese and butter, resulting in an irresistibly soft texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, the vibrant red and white appearance adds a festive flair to your dessert table. If you’re searching for an activity to bring family together or something to impress friends, these cookies are perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy evenings at home.
“These cookies brought the holiday spirit into my house! They were easy to make, and everyone loved how they looked and tasted.” — A happy home baker
The cooking process explained
Making Candy Cane Sugar Cookies is a straightforward process that combines classic baking techniques with a fun, festive twist. You’ll start by creaming the butter and cream cheese, which provides a rich base for the cookies. Next, you’ll mix in your dry ingredients and colorful red food coloring to create that signature candy cane appearance. After chilling the dough, shaping them into candy canes is where the fun begins! Finally, a quick bake in the oven leads to delightful treats that smell heavenly.
What you’ll need
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups unbleached flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 40-50 drops red food coloring
- Sprinkles or sugar for decoration
You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer flavor or use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
