Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays

Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies are the perfect festive treat that brings a delightful twist to the classic red velvet flavor we all adore. As the holiday season approaches, these cookies not only add a pop of color to your dessert table but also fill the air with a sweet, minty aroma that evokes the spirit of Christmas. Originating from the beloved red velvet cake, these cookies have taken on a life of their own, combining the rich, velvety texture with the refreshing taste of crushed candy canes.

People love Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies for their unique flavor profile and soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth. The combination of cocoa and buttermilk creates a moist cookie, while the candy cane pieces add a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but they are also incredibly easy to make, making them a favorite for holiday baking sessions with family and friends. Join me as we dive into this festive recipe that is sure to become a holiday tradition in your home!

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delightful Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies! First, we need to prepare our dough. Follow these steps:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are well combined and will help the cookies rise perfectly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
4. Next, add the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want that vibrant red hue to shine through!
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula. This will give our cookies a delightful crunch and a burst of peppermint flavor.

Chilling the Dough

Now that our dough is ready, it’s important to chill it before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the flavors.

1. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
2. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight if you have the time. Chilling the dough is a crucial step, so don’t skip it!

Baking the Cookies

Once the dough has chilled, it’s time to bake these beauties!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a little while baking, so give them some room.
3. Before placing the cookies in the oven, sprinkle a little extra crushed candy canes on top of each dough ball for that festive touch.
4. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so don’t overbake!
5. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dusting and Serving

Now that our cookies are baked and cooled, it’s time to add the finishing touches!

1. Once the cookies are completely cool, place them on a serving platter or a large plate.
2. Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This not only adds a beautiful presentation but also a touch of sweetness.
3. If desired, you can sprinkle a few more crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive flair.
4. Serve these delightful Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies at your holiday gatherings, or package them up as gifts for friends and family. They’re sure to be a hit!


Conclusion:

In summary, these Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to add a festive touch to their holiday baking. The rich, velvety texture combined with the refreshing crunch of candy cane pieces creates a delightful treat that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Not only do they look stunning with their vibrant red color and white frosting, but they also taste incredible, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk to enhance the experience. You can also get creative with variations by adding white chocolate chips or even a hint of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the candy canes for crushed pistachios or walnuts for a unique twist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with me! Whether you bake them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you want to indulge in something sweet, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your baking success together. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies! Print

Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies: A Festive Treat for the Holidays
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• Author: Dottie
• Total Time: 72 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
These Candy Cane Red Velvet Cookies are soft, chewy, and infused with peppermint flavor, making them a festive treat perfect for holiday gatherings or as sweet gifts. Topped with white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, they are sure to delight everyone!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• ½ cup crushed candy canes (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
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Instructions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the egg to the butter and sugar mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
4. Mix in the red food coloring, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until evenly distributed.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes using a spatula.
7. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough to an airtight container.
8. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Sprinkle a little extra crushed candy canes on top of each dough ball.
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
13. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
14. Once the cookies are completely cool, place them on a serving platter.
15. Dust the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar using a fine mesh sieve.
16. Optionally, sprinkle a few more crushed candy canes on top for extra flair.
17. Serve at holiday gatherings or package as gifts.
Notes
• Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the shape of the cookies.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preference.
• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes