Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies blend the classic flavor of shortbread with the refreshing taste of peppermint, making them a delightful addition to any cookie platter. Easy to make and visually appealing, they’re great for gift-giving or sharing at parties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, these cookies can be whipped up quickly, even by beginner bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and peppermint creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
• Festive Appearance: Topped with crushed candy canes, these cookies look beautiful on any holiday table.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepared in advance and stored, making holiday baking stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes this recipe even easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures that your ingredients are well combined and fluffy, creating the perfect texture for your cookies.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for even baking; make sure it’s lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mixture

In a mixing bowl:
1. Cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Stir until combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly add in:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Salt

Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain a tender texture.

Step 4: Form Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
1. Portion out small amounts of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven:
– Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Once removed from the oven:
1. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a cooling rack.
3. While still warm, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

Enjoy your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious! They’re bound to be a hit this holiday season!

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

These Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are a festive treat perfect for any holiday gathering. They are not just delicious but also visually appealing, making them a lovely addition to your dessert table.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter experience. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.

On a Cookie Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter alongside other holiday treats. Their vibrant colors will make your platter pop and impress guests.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. This makes for a charming party favor that guests will love to take home.

With Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The light, buttery texture of the shortbread contrasts nicely with the warmth of your drink.

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

To achieve the best Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, follow these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.

• Chill your dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies.

• Use quality butter: Opt for high-quality unsalted butter, as it adds richness and flavor to your cookies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Crush candy canes finely: Ensure your candy canes are crushed into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dough, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

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

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet and minty flavor. Here are some great options.

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat that combines dark chocolate with crushed peppermint candies. It adds another layer of minty goodness.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies. Use seasonal fruits to enhance the holiday theme.

3. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, contrasts nicely with the sweetness of shortbread cookies.

4. Chocolate Fondue: Melted chocolate fondue offers a fun dipping experience alongside your cookies, delighting both kids and adults alike.

5. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a DIY sundae station where guests can top their ice cream with cookie crumbles, adding an exciting twist.

6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a savory crunch that pairs well with the sweetness of the cookies, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to dense cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can result in cookies spreading too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different; relying solely on baking time can lead to burnt cookies. Check them a few minutes early to ensure they’re just lightly golden.
• Using stale candy canes: Old candy canes won’t have the same vibrant flavor or crunch. Always use fresh candy canes for the best taste and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it as they may become chewy.
• Stovetop: Not recommended, as it may lead to uneven heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions commonly asked about Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

What is the best way to crush candy canes for this recipe?

Crush candy canes by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin. This prevents mess and ensures uniform pieces.

Can I substitute other flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can use vanilla extract or other flavored extracts if you prefer a different taste.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup with all-purpose flour.

Are Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious good for gift-giving?

Absolutely! These cookies are festive and look beautiful in a decorative tin or box, making them great gifts during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile. Their festive flavor makes them perfect for any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors—let your creativity shine!