Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are a festive treat that brings joy to any holiday gathering. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their vibrant candy cane bits, but they also melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for cookie exchanges or simply to enjoy at home, these treats offer an easy and delicious way to embrace the holiday spirit. With their delightful peppermint flavor and buttery texture, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Festive Flavor: The addition of crushed candy canes provides a unique peppermint taste that screams holiday cheer.
• Versatile Treat: Great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy evening snack at home.
• Pretty Presentation: The colorful candy cane pieces on top make these cookies visually stunning and perfect for sharing.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes whipping the dough effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, helping cookies cook uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

For Topping

• 1 cup crushed candy canes

How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar. Use your stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the flour and salt while continuing to mix. Once combined, mix in the vanilla and peppermint extracts until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced adequately as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes over each cookie while they are still warm. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not just tasty; they also make a beautiful addition to any holiday spread. Here are some delightful ways to serve them that will impress your guests.

Festive Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats for a colorful display.

Hot Chocolate Accompaniment

• Serve these cookies with cups of rich hot chocolate. The minty flavor pairs perfectly with the warm drink.

Gift Packages

• Stack the cookies in a clear cellophane bag and tie with a festive ribbon for a charming homemade gift.

Cookie Exchange Table

• Present your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies at a cookie exchange. Their unique flavor will surely catch everyone’s attention.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Pair two cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

To achieve the best results when making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances the texture.

• Use Quality Butter: Opt for high-quality butter for richer flavor. It makes all the difference in taste and texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle.

• Decorate Once Cool: Wait until the cookies have cooled completely before adding any toppings or decorations to prevent melting.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Pairing side dishes with your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies enhances your holiday celebration. Here are some excellent options:

1. Peppermint Bark: A sweet treat combining chocolate and crushed candy canes that complements your cookies beautifully.

2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts spiced with cinnamon and sugar provide a crunchy contrast to the soft shortbread.

3. Fruit Platter: A variety of fresh fruits, like berries or citrus, adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Cheese Board: Include mild cheeses alongside crackers for a savory option that pairs well with sweet flavors.

5. Gingerbread Men: Classic gingerbread cookies bring festive cheer and pair nicely with minty flavors.

6. Hot Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider is perfect for sipping alongside your cookies during holiday gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to overlook details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly use unsalted butter – Using salted butter can alter the flavor of your cookies. Stick with unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
• Avoid overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• Chill the dough too long – Leaving the dough in the fridge for too long can make it hard to work with. Chill for 30 minutes for optimal consistency.
• Neglect proper measuring – Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Skip the peppermint extract – Omitting peppermint extract means missing out on that classic candy cane flavor. Don’t forget this key ingredient!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies stay good for up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time in short bursts of 10 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop – Place on a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

What makes Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies so special?

These cookies offer a delightful blend of buttery flavor and festive peppermint, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.

How do I decorate my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

You can drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top after baking for added flair.

Are these cookies suitable for cookie exchanges?

Absolutely! Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are easy to make and look beautiful, making them perfect for cookie exchanges.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy to make but also bring festive cheer to any occasion. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with refreshing peppermint makes them a delightful treat. Feel free to customize these cookies by adding different toppings or flavors based on your preference!