Step-by-step instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Christmas Crunch Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring a well-blended mixture.
- Combine dry and wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the goodies: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
- Scoop the dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Christmas Crunch Cookies are best served warm or at room temperature. For a festive twist, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or serving them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of steaming hot cocoa. They also make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter during the holidays, sure to impress family and friends with their beautiful presentation and delightful crunch.
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping your Christmas Crunch Cookies fresh is easy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them in the oven for a couple of minutes for that freshly baked experience.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some tips to elevate your baking game with these festive cookies:
- Ingredient temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined when adding the flour. Overmixing can yield tough cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help improve the texture and deepen the flavors.
- Candy Cane Substitutes: Try using crushed peppermint candies or your favorite seasonal chocolate in place of candy canes for a different flavor profile.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Mint: Substitute some of the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or mint chips.
- Nut-Free Delight: Exclude the pecans for a nut-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
- Different Crunch: Use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Swap in dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for an allergen-friendly version.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation and baking time combined is about 20-25 minutes, with an additional cooling time.
Can I use a different type of flour?
For gluten-free versions, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix, but results vary.
How do I keep the cookies from turning out dry?
Make sure not to overbake them, as they continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven! A light golden color on the edges indicates they’re done.
With these insights and tips, your Christmas Crunch Cookies are sure to become a beloved holiday tradition in your home! Happy baking!
