Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are a festive treat that brings the holiday spirit into your kitchen. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their vibrant candy cane pieces, but they also offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just to enjoy at home, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe involves simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and peppermint creates a delightful flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Festive Presentation: With their colorful candy cane topping, these cookies look beautiful on any holiday platter.
- Versatile Treat: They make an excellent gift or dessert option for various occasions, from holiday parties to family gatherings.
- Perfect for Cookie Exchanges: These cookies stand out on any cookie exchange table, sure to impress friends and family alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, gather your tools and ensure you’re prepared for a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures a fluffy texture by properly aerating the dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking cookies to perfection.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Extracts
Stir in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined. The mixture will smell wonderfully festive!
Step 6: Fold in Candy Canes
Gently fold in the crushed candy canes using a spatula. This adds a delightful crunch to your cookies.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Now you have delicious Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies ready to share with friends and family! Enjoy this easy and delightful holiday treat!
How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They can brighten up any dessert table during the holiday season. Here are some serving suggestions to make them shine.
On a Festive Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter garnished with fresh mint leaves for a festive touch.
With Hot Cocoa
- Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for a cozy pairing.
As Party Favors
- Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon to give as sweet party favors at holiday gatherings.
With Ice Cream
- Enjoy these cookies crumbled over vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
At Cookie Exchanges
- Bring them to cookie exchange events; their unique flavor makes them a standout choice among other treats.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Perfecting your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies is simple with a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Use cold butter: Start with cold, unsalted butter for better texture and flavor in your dough.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies light and airy.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape.
- Decorate before baking: Add crushed candy canes on top of each cookie before baking for an extra crunch and festive look.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Pairing side dishes with Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies can enhance your holiday feast. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.
- Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and peppermint, perfect alongside these cookies.
- Gingerbread Cake: Moist and spiced gingerbread adds warmth, making it a delightful contrast to the cool mint flavor of the cookies.
- Eggnog Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake flavored with eggnog brings festive cheer to your dessert table.
- Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a hot chocolate station with various toppings that pair wonderfully with the cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance out rich desserts like shortbread cookies, offering freshness.
- Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Strawberries or bananas dipped in chocolate can be a sweet addition that complements peppermint well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Bold ingredients: Forgetting to measure ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Bold mixing too long: Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Bold skipping chill time: Not chilling the dough can result in spreading during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for best results.
- Bold using stale candy canes: Old candy canes lose flavor and crunch. Always use fresh candy canes for vibrant taste and texture.
- Bold incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
- Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different flavors of candy canes?
Yes, you can substitute with other flavors like peppermint or chocolate mint for a unique twist on Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies gluten-free, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What is the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or mallet for even-sized pieces without making a mess.
Can I customize the decorations on my cookies?
Absolutely! You could drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or use colored sprinkles along with crushed candy cane pieces.
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile for any holiday celebration. You can customize them by adding different flavors or toppings. Try this recipe, and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery shortbread and festive candy cane crunch!
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that captures the spirit of Christmas in every bite. These easy-to-make cookies feature a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by festive crushed candy canes. Their vibrant appearance makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, gatherings, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones. With a few simple steps, you can create these visually stunning and delicious cookies that will impress your friends and family. Whether served on a festive platter or crumbled over ice cream, these cookies are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gently fold in the crushed candy canes.
- Scoop rounded balls of dough onto baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Use cold butter for better texture. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape during baking. Decorate with extra crushed candy canes before baking for added festive flair.