White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

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Introduction

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes. These festive cookies are a holiday favorite, with a delicate flavor and a beautiful appearance, making them ideal for gift-giving, holiday parties, or just as a treat to enjoy with a cup of cocoa. With their crisp texture and sweet peppermint notes, these cookies bring the magic of Christmas straight to your taste buds.

Perfect for:

  • Christmas celebrations
  • Cookie exchanges
  • Gift giving
  • Holiday dessert tables
  • Family baking projects

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies will become a holiday staple:

  • Festive Flavors: The sweet white chocolate pairs perfectly with the cool, minty candy cane crunch.
  • Crisp and Buttery Texture: These cookies are slightly crisp on the edges and chewy in the center.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze.
  • Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in a decorative box or tin, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift.
  • Holiday Cheer in Every Bite: The crushed candy canes add a colorful, peppermint twist.
  • No Chilling Required: Unlike many cookie recipes, there’s no need to chill the dough before baking.
  • Quick to Prepare: From mixing to baking, you can have these cookies ready in under an hour.
  • Customizable Decor: Drizzle with extra white chocolate or add more crushed candy canes for a festive finish.
  • Kid-Friendly: Fun for children to help with, especially when crushing the candy canes!
  • Make-Ahead Option: These cookies store well, making them great for preparing in advance for holiday gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup white chocolate chips
  • 6 candy canes, crushed

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • Extra crushed candy canes for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

  • White Chocolate: Provides a creamy and sweet base for the cookie dough and topping.
  • Candy Canes: Offer a refreshing minty crunch and a festive pop of color.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the cookie dough and complements the peppermint.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  6. Stir in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and ½ cup of crushed candy canes.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

  1. Form Dough Balls: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form dough balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set.
  3. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Add Toppings:

  1. Drizzle with White Chocolate: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of each cookie.
  2. Garnish with Candy Canes: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes on top of the white chocolate for an extra burst of flavor and festive appeal.

Serve or Store:

  1. Serve: Arrange the cookies on a platter and enjoy!
  2. Store: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:

  • As a Holiday Platter: Serve alongside other festive cookies and treats for a Christmas cookie spread.
  • With Hot Chocolate: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.
  • As Gifts: Package the cookies in gift boxes or tins for a thoughtful homemade gift.
  • On a Dessert Table: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert table for a festive touch.
  • At a Cookie Exchange: Bring these cookies to a holiday cookie exchange party.
  • As a Lunchbox Treat: Add a couple of cookies to a child’s lunchbox for a festive surprise.
  • For Afternoon Tea: Serve these cookies with a pot of tea for a cozy, winter treat.
  • With Ice Cream: Top a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream with a cookie for extra crunch.
  • With Milk: Pair with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic and comforting combination.
  • For Christmas Morning: Serve them as a special breakfast treat on Christmas Day.

Additional Tips

  • Crush Candy Canes Properly: Place the candy canes in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin for a fine texture.
  • Melt Chocolate Gently: Melt white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler to avoid burning.
  • Add Peppermint Extract: For an even more intense mint flavor, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake to prevent them from becoming too crispy.
  • Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform size and helps the cookies bake evenly.
  • Use Good Quality White Chocolate: The flavor of the white chocolate chips will make a big difference in the final result.

Recipe Variations

  • Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add mint chocolate chips in place of or in addition to the white chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
  • Double the Mint: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for extra minty flavor.
  • Candy Cane Mocha Cookies: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the dough for a mocha twist.
  • White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies: Add dried cranberries to the dough for a tangy, festive flavor.
  • Mini Candy Cane Cookies: Make smaller cookies by using a teaspoon to scoop out dough for bite-sized treats.
  • Vegan Version: Use dairy-free white chocolate chips and substitute the butter with vegan butter.
  • Caramelized Pecan Topping: Add caramelized pecans in place of candy cane pieces for a nutty alternative.

Special Equipment

  • Baking Sheet: For baking the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the white chocolate.
  • Cookie Scoop: For uniform dough balls.
  • Wire Rack: To cool the cookies completely.
  • Ziploc Bag and Rolling Pin: To crush the candy canes.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use candy cane pieces instead of crushed candy canes?
    Yes, candy cane pieces will work fine as a topping. Just chop them into smaller pieces for easier distribution.
  2. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
  3. Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
    Yes, you can substitute dark or milk chocolate chips for white chocolate for a different flavor.
  4. How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing?
    Melt the white chocolate gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to prevent it from overheating.
  5. How long will the cookies last?
    When stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to one week.
  6. Can I make these cookies without candy canes?
    Yes, you can substitute the candy canes with crushed peppermint bark or other minty candies.
  7. Can I use a hand mixer for the dough?
    Yes, a hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly for mixing the dough.
  8. Can I double this recipe?
    Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake on two sheets if needed.
  1. How can I make the cookies extra minty?
    Add a ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough for a stronger mint flavor.
  2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
    Yes, you can bake and store them in an airtight container up to a week in advance.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings together the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the crisp, refreshing crunch of candy canes. The smooth, rich texture of the white chocolate pairs perfectly with the minty flavor of the crushed candy canes, making these cookies a festive and indulgent choice for the season. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone who tastes them.

This recipe is easy to make, yet it looks impressive when served, making it a great option for gift-giving or sharing with loved ones. The combination of sweet and minty flavors makes these cookies a perfect match for the winter months. You can even experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of extra white chocolate for a unique twist.

I can’t wait to hear how your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see how you make them your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you put your personal spin on this delicious holiday treat!

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