Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies: A Sweet Holiday Treat

The holiday season is all about spreading joy, and what better way to share the festive spirit than with a batch of homemade cookies? Candy cane shortbread cookies bring together the warmth of classic shortbread with a minty twist, inspired by the iconic candy cane that is synonymous with Christmas. These cookies are not just visually appealing but also offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will make them a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive gift, a Christmas party, or simply as a treat for yourself, these candy cane shortbread cookies are sure to impress. Their delicate, buttery flavor and refreshing peppermint hint will evoke a sense of nostalgia and holiday cheer with every bite. The vibrant red and white swirl pattern makes them a perfect addition to your seasonal cookie tray, and their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture is a joy to experience. Let’s take a deep dive into this recipe and learn how to make these scrumptious candy cane-shaped shortbread cookies!

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The Charm of Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies

Candy cane shortbread cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a symbol of the holidays. Inspired by the traditional candy cane lollipop, these cookies are festive both in flavor and in appearance. The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their delicious taste but also in their ease of preparation. Shortbread, known for its crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture, provides the perfect canvas for the minty peppermint extract. With a touch of vanilla and the swirl of red food coloring, these cookies evoke all the cozy, joyful feelings of Christmas. They’re the perfect companion for your favorite holiday drinks, whether it’s a hot cup of tea, rich hot chocolate, or spiced cider. The best part? These cookies are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making them for your family, gifting them to friends, or bringing them to a holiday potluck, they’re sure to bring a festive touch wherever they go.

Ingredients

To bake the candy cane shortbread cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 110g unsalted butter, softened: The key to shortbread’s rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture is the butter. Use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
• 1/2 cup caster sugar: Caster sugar dissolves easily, giving the cookies their smooth, light texture. If you don’t have caster sugar, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar, though caster sugar is preferred for its fine texture.
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: The peppermint extract gives the cookies their minty flavor, a perfect match for the holiday season. It’s important to use peppermint extract rather than peppermint oil, which can be too intense.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: The vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cookies, balancing out the coolness of the mint.
• 1 egg white (from a free-range egg), at room temperature: The egg white helps bind the dough together and gives the cookies a delicate structure. Ensure the egg white is at room temperature for optimal results.
• 1 1/4 cups plain flour: Plain flour is the main dry ingredient and provides the structure of the cookie dough. You could use all-purpose flour as a substitute if needed.
• 2 tsp cornflour: Cornflour (cornstarch) helps to give the shortbread its characteristic melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder: The baking powder gives a slight lift to the cookies, ensuring they have a light, airy texture without being too crunchy.
• 1/4 tsp table salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, balancing out the sweetness and minty flavor.
• Red food coloring gel: This gives the dough its vibrant red color, making the cookies visually festive. You could substitute with green food coloring for a different look or even use a combination of both for a striped effect.
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, to sprinkle: The granulated sugar is sprinkled over the cookies before baking, giving them a sweet, slightly crunchy finish.

Method: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Butter Mixture

The first step in making these candy cane shortbread cookies is to prepare the butter and sugar mixture. Begin by placing the softened butter, caster sugar, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 6 minutes, or until the butter becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. This process is crucial for creating the light and delicate texture of the shortbread, as it helps incorporate air into the dough. The longer you beat the mixture, the lighter and more tender your cookies will be.

Step 2: Adding the Egg White

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy. Then, add half of the egg white to the butter mixture and beat well until fully combined. This will help bind the dough together and give it a light, airy texture. The egg white also contributes to the smoothness of the dough, ensuring that the cookies have a tender bite. Be careful not to overmix at this stage to avoid making the dough too runny.

Step 3: Incorporating the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, cornflour, baking powder, and salt. The combination of flours and cornflour will provide the perfect texture for your shortbread, giving them their signature crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth quality. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in small portions, mixing as you go. Once all the dry ingredients have been incorporated, beat the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything is fully combined.

Step 4: Dividing and Coloring the Dough

Now that the dough is ready, it’s time to give it a festive twist! Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring gel to one half of the dough and mix until the color is evenly incorporated. This will create the red portion of the candy cane swirl. If you want to create a striped effect with both red and white dough, you can also add green food coloring to the other half of the dough for a more vibrant look. Once colored, wrap each dough half separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough ensures that it firms up, making it easier to roll out and shape into candy canes.

Step 5: Shaping the Cookies

After the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan-forced). Line three large baking trays with baking paper to prevent the cookies from sticking to the trays while they bake. Now, it’s time to shape the cookies! Divide each half of the dough into four portions, so you have eight pieces of dough in total. Roll each piece into a 1cm thick rope on a lightly floured surface. Once you have all eight ropes, cut them in half to make shorter lengths.

Next, take one red rope and one white rope, and press them gently together. Twist the two colors together to combine, then roll the twisted dough back into a 1cm thick rope. Cut each twisted rope into 12cm lengths, which will form the base of your candy cane shapes. To shape the dough into candy canes, bend each piece into a hook shape and place them on the prepared trays. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

Step 6: Baking the Cookies

Before baking, brush the tops of the cookies with the remaining egg white, which will give the cookies a glossy finish. Sprinkle each cookie with granulated sugar for a sweet touch. Bake the cookies in batches for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are pale golden brown around the edges. They should be firm but still slightly soft in the center. Once baked, let the cookies sit on the trays for about 10 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma

The flavor of candy cane shortbread cookies is simply irresistible. The buttery richness of the shortbread serves as the perfect backdrop for the refreshing mintiness of the peppermint extract. The addition of vanilla extract provides a warm, comforting depth of flavor that balances the sharpness of the peppermint. When you take a bite, the cookie’s crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture will instantly transport you to the holiday season. The sweet, slightly crunchy sugar topping adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture, making each bite even more delightful.

As the cookies bake, your kitchen will be filled with the tantalizing aroma of buttery goodness and fresh peppermint. The scent of vanilla complements the mint, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that is perfect for holiday baking. These cookies not only taste delicious but also look stunning, with their red and white swirls capturing the spirit of Christmas in every bite.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Substitute the Peppermint Extract:
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use crushed candy canes or peppermint candies. Simply crush the candy canes into small pieces and fold them into the dough for a crunchy peppermint experience. Alternatively, you can experiment with other holiday flavors, such as almond extract, to create a different taste.

Gluten-Free Option:
If you need a gluten-free version of these cookies, simply swap the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

Make it Your Own:
Feel free to get creative with the colors and decorations. You could use green food coloring in addition to the red for a more festive look. You can also dip the cookies halfway in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions:
These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself. Serve them alongside other holiday favorites, like gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, or shortbread squares. They also make a lovely gift when wrapped in a tin or decorative box. For a festive touch, enjoy them with a warm cup of hot chocolate, mulled wine, or tea.

Final Thoughts

Candy cane shortbread cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With their festive appearance, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and refreshing peppermint flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite for years to come. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday celebration or as a thoughtful gift, these cookies capture the essence of Christmas in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and make these delightful cookies part of your festive traditions!