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Delicious homemade Magic Candy Cane Cookies with holiday festive decorations.

Magic Candy Cane Cookies

Magic Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic holiday treat, featuring a vibrant red and white swirl, refreshing peppermint flavor, and a soft, chewy texture.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Base
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour The base of your cookie that provides structure.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder This will give your cookies that perfect lift.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Adds rich, creamy texture.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Provides sweetness and helps with the cookies' tenderness.
  • 1 large egg Helps to bind the ingredients together.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a warm, inviting flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract The star of the show, bringing that fresh minty feel.
  • Red food coloring For achieving that festive candy cane color.
Finishing Touch
  • Powdered sugar for dusting A sweet finish to your cookies.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until incorporated.
  3. In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Beat well until fully combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix the dough.
  6. Divide the dough in half, leaving one half plain. Color the other half with red food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
  7. Roll each color of dough into long ropes – the plain and the red dough. Then, twist them together to create a candy cane shape.
Baking
  1. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet with enough space in between for spreading.
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them so they remain soft and chewy.
  3. Once done, let the cookies cool before dusting them with powdered sugar for that snowy effect!

Notes

To elevate your Magic Candy Cane Cookies, try chilling the dough if it is too soft, adding a chocolate drizzle, experimenting with different extracts, or topping with sprinkles before baking.