Ah, the joy of holiday baking! There’s just something magical about filling the house with the smell of sweet treats, and these candy cane cookies with royal icing are a true holiday delight. I remember the first time I made them with my little niece; we laughed as we crushed the candy canes and watched the colors swirl in the icing. It felt like a festive art project that we could eat! Trust me, the combination of peppermint and sugar is a flavor that captures the spirit of the season perfectly. These cookies are not just delicious; they’re a wonderful way to make memories with loved ones, and they look stunning on any holiday table!

Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies Royal Icing

You’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients to make the most delightful candy cane cookies adorned with royal icing. Each item plays a crucial role in bringing flavor and festivity to your baking. Here’s what you need:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for that festive crunch!)
• 2 cups royal icing (for decorating—this is where the magic happens!)

Make sure to have everything measured out before you start; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable. Happy baking!

How to Prepare Candy Cane Cookies Royal Icing

Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delightful candy cane cookies! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a festive batch ready in no time.

Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well is key to a perfectly textured cookie. You want everything nicely combined, so no lumps of flour sneak in!

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s like giving your cookies a little love! Then, add in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, blending well until everything is perfectly mixed. Trust me, the aroma of peppermint will start to fill your kitchen, and it’s heavenly!

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your butter mixture. I like to do this in thirds, gently folding the flour in with a spatula to keep the mixture airy. Once it’s all combined, fold in those crushed candy canes for that festive crunch. You’ll love the little specks of red and white in your dough!

Baking the Cookies

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, making sure to leave some space between them—cookies spread a bit while baking! Pop them in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as you don’t want to ice warm cookies (it can get messy!).

Decorating with Royal Icing

Finally, let’s get creative! Once your cookies are cool, you can decorate them with royal icing. I like to use a piping bag for precision, but a ziplock bag with a corner snipped off works wonders too! Have fun with it—add swirls, dots, or even write festive messages. And don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra crushed candy canes on top for that finishing touch! Your holiday treats are now ready to dazzle everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These candy cane cookies with royal icing are a true holiday favorite, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making them:

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time—perfect for those busy holiday schedules!
• Festive Flavors: The delightful combination of peppermint and sugar captures the essence of the season in every bite.
• Fun to Decorate: The royal icing adds a personal touch, making it a joyous activity to do with friends or family.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them up in a cute box, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday party or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
• Impressive Presentation: With their vibrant colors and festive designs, they’ll be the star of your dessert table!

Trust me, once you try these candy cane cookies, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your holiday baking lineup!

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Peppermint Flavor: If you love a stronger minty kick, feel free to increase the peppermint extract by half a teaspoon—just be careful not to overdo it!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for that perfect creaming texture. It makes mixing so much easier!
• Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to work with, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Perfect Icing Consistency: When making royal icing, aim for a thick, but spreadable consistency. You want it to hold its shape but still be easy to pipe. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.
• Practice Your Icing Technique: Don’t stress if your first few cookies don’t look perfect! Practice makes perfect. Start with simple designs, and have fun experimenting with swirls and dots.
• Let Cookies Cool Completely: It’s essential to let your cookies cool fully before icing. Warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and run, which can be a bit of a mess!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked and decorated your fabulous candy cane cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh and delicious! Here’s how to store them properly:

• Storing: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them soft and chewy! If you have extra icing, store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Layering: If you’re stacking your cookies, put a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Duration: They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but I bet they’ll be gone long before that!

Now, if you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare treat!), and you want to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again, here’s what to do:

• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without making it too soft.
• Oven Option: Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method helps to revive that fresh-baked aroma!

Just remember, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh, so share them with friends and family while they last! Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying these delightful candy cane cookies, it’s good to be aware of the nutritional content, but remember that values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect per cookie:

• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can change based on how you make your cookies. So, if you’re tweaking the recipe or using different ingredients, be sure to adjust the numbers accordingly. Enjoy your baking, and remember that these cookies are all about the joy of sharing and indulging in the festive spirit!

FAQ Section

Can I substitute the peppermint extract with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of peppermint, you can use vanilla extract or even almond extract for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that it won’t taste quite like traditional candy cane cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it has xanthan gum included for the best texture.

How far in advance can I make these cookies?
You can make the cookies a week ahead of time, just store them in an airtight container. If you want to decorate them even earlier, feel free to do so, just wait until the icing is completely dry before stacking them!

What’s the best way to store leftover royal icing?
If you have leftover royal icing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for about a week, but be sure to give it a good stir before using it again!

Can I freeze the cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the cookies before or after decorating. Just make sure they’re in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months!

Candy Cane Cookies Royal Icing: 7 Tips for Festive Perfection

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These candy cane cookies are festive and delicious, decorated with royal icing for a holiday touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 2 cups royal icing

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Add egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and blend well.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
6. Fold in crushed candy canes.
7. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.
8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
9. Let cookies cool completely before icing.
10. Decorate with royal icing as desired.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• For a stronger mint flavor, increase the peppermint extract.
• Use a piping bag for detailed icing work.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: candy cane cookies royal icing