Candy Cane Cookies

I can provide you with the recipe for candy cane cookies. These cookies are typical of the Christmas tradition and have a distinctive look reminiscent of the famous red and white striped candy canes. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients

• 225g of butter, softened
• 140g of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract (optional)
• 1 egg
• 360g of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• Red food coloring (gel or paste preferably)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and peppermint extract if you’re using it, and the egg, mixing well after each addition.

3. In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Then add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until a uniform dough is formed.

4. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Color one of them with a few drops of red food coloring, until you reach the desired shade.

5. Take a piece of white dough and a piece of red dough and roll them into cigar shapes on a lightly floured surface.

6. Wrap each ‘cigar’ in the other color, giving a slight twist to recreate the candy cane effect.

7. Cut each twist into segments of about 6-7 centimeters and place them on the prepared baking sheet, slightly bending one end to create the typical candy cane shape.

8. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes or until they are slightly golden.

9. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack to complete the cooling.

Fun Fact

These cookies are not only delicious but also decorative. Traditionally candy canes are made with peppermint flavors, but in this cookie version, the peppermint flavor is optional. If you decide to use it, for a more festive taste, be sure to add the extract in small doses to avoid overpowering.