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Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

These festive Candy Cane Cookies combine a buttery sugar cookie base with a creamy hint of cream cheese and refreshing peppermint flavor. Twisted red and white dough ropes are shaped into candy canes, making them perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 box sugar cookie mix
  • 1/2 stick butter, melted (4 tablespoons)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus additional for surface

Flavoring and Decoration

  • Red food coloring, as needed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the correct baking temperature before you prepare the cookies.
  2. Prepare dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, melted butter, egg, softened cream cheese, and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until a cohesive dough forms.
  3. Divide dough: Separate the dough evenly into two separate bowls. This will allow you to color and flavor each portion differently.
  4. Add color and flavor: Gradually add red food coloring to one bowl, kneading the dough to reach your desired shade of red. To the other bowl, add the peppermint extract and knead to evenly incorporate the flavor.
  5. Shape ropes: On a floured surface to prevent sticking, shape each portion of dough into balls. Roll each ball into a rope about 1/4 inch wide and approximately 6 inches long.
  6. Create candy canes: Carefully twist one red rope and one white peppermint-flavored rope together. Shape the twisted ropes into classic candy cane shapes.
  7. Arrange and bake: Place the shaped candy canes spaced apart on cookie sheets. Bake in the preheated oven on the top rack for 10 to 12 minutes, or until cookies are set but not overly browned.
  8. Cool: Remove cookies from the oven and transfer them onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • To prevent dough from sticking, dust your work surface and rolling pin lightly with flour.
  • Colors can be adjusted for more intense red tones or varied peppermint extract for stronger flavor.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • For a crisper cookie, bake closer to 12 minutes, and for a softer cookie, aim for 10 minutes.

Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/candy-cane-cookies-recipe/