White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect holiday cookie to impress your friends and family, look no further than these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies. Combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing crunch of peppermint candy canes, these cookies are a delightful addition to any festive gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are easy to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

What Are White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are a delicious holiday treat made by combining classic cookie ingredients with festive additions like crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips. These cookies are soft and chewy, with a delightful minty flavor and bursts of sweet white chocolate in every bite. They are perfect for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and soft texture.
• 1/2 cup shortening: Helps create a fluffy and tender cookie.
• 1 cup white sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the chewy texture.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the flavor with a hint of molasses and adds moisture.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives a warm, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Adds a refreshing minty taste that pairs perfectly with the candy canes.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes: Adds a festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for topping): Offers creamy sweetness in every bite.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these steps to bake a batch of delicious White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). This step is crucial for creating the perfect cookie texture.
3. Add the Extracts and Eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Incorporate Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into balls, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, and place them on the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tops of the cookies are just set. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should be soft and slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
8. Add Extra Chocolate Chips: While the cookies are still warm, press a few extra white chocolate chips on top of each cookie for a festive touch.
9. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Baking Success

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly, resulting in a better cookie texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Scoop the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
• Overbaking the Cookies: These cookies should be soft and slightly chewy. Bake them just until the tops look set; they will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.
• Using Melted Butter: Using melted butter instead of softened butter can make the dough too wet, leading to flat cookies that spread too much.

Variations and Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Almond Extract: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa. For a festive presentation, arrange them on a decorative holiday platter and sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes around for added color and flair.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, the flavor and texture of the cookies may differ slightly. Butter is recommended for the best results.

3. How can I crush the candy canes without making a mess?
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces. This will keep your kitchen clean and make it easier to mix into the dough.

Conclusion

These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect treat for any holiday celebration. Easy to make, with a delightful mix of flavors, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious holiday baking ideas!

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