White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Introduction

The holiday season is synonymous with sweet treats and delightful aromas wafting through the kitchen. One of my family’s all-time favorite recipes during this festive time is White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies. These cookies are not just visually appealing with their festive colors; they are also a delightful blend of creamy white chocolate and refreshing peppermint. Each bite offers a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. When I first baked these cookies, my house was filled with the irresistible scent of freshly baked goods, and the joy on my family’s faces as they indulged in these treats made the effort all worthwhile.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the eggs, one at a time, and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Combine and Add Mix-ins

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed to avoid a flour explosion. Once combined, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Bake

Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per Cookie: 160 kcal

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

How to Serve

• Decorate: Consider drizzling melted white chocolate on top for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Gifting: These cookies make fantastic gifts! Package them in a decorative tin or box.
• Pairing: Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or milk for a delightful treat.
• Storing: Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.

Additional Tips

1. Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
2. Crushed Candy Canes: Use a zip-top bag to crush candy canes for less mess. Simply place them in the bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. Chilling the Dough: For a thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
4. Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time; every oven is different, and you want to avoid over-baking.
5. Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or milk chocolate, for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

• Mint Chocolate Chip: Substitute half of the white chocolate chips with mint chocolate chips for a double mint flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture.
• Coconut Twist: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Cookie Platter: Include these cookies on a festive platter alongside gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
• Cookie Decorating Party: Host a cookie decorating party where guests can personalize their cookies with icing and additional toppings.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to create ice cream sandwiches, adding a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream in between.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

• Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.

1. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

• You can substitute brown sugar with granulated sugar, though the cookies will be less chewy.

1. How do I make crushed candy canes?

• Place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a mallet.

1. Can I use peppermint extract instead of vanilla?

• Yes, you can replace vanilla with peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor.

1. What type of white chocolate should I use?

• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for the best melting and flavor.

1. How should I store the cookies?

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

1. Can I decorate these cookies?

• Absolutely! You can drizzle them with melted chocolate or frost them with icing.

1. What’s the best way to cool the cookies?

• Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

1. Can I add more candy canes?

• Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of crushed candy canes to your taste.

1. Are these cookies suitable for shipping?
   • Yes, they hold up well for shipping. Just ensure they are packaged securely to avoid breaking.

Conclusion

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday celebration. With their soft texture, sweet white chocolate, and refreshing candy cane crunch, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. This simple yet delicious recipe allows for personalization and creativity, making it perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and create a batch of these festive cookies that will warm your heart and fill your home with holiday cheer!

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