Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Candy Cane Frosted Cookies: Your Ultimate Guide to Festive Holiday Baking

The holiday season ushers in a magical time filled with cheer, twinkling lights, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Among the many seasonal delights, few capture the spirit of Christmas quite like a batch of soft, sweet, and vibrantly decorated cookies. This year, elevate your holiday celebrations with these exquisite Candy Cane Frosted Cookies. Imagine biting into a super soft, cakey sugar cookie, perfectly balanced with the refreshing zest of peppermint buttercream, crowned with the delightful crunch of BRACH’S® Peppermint Crushed Candy Canes. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly become a treasured part of your festive traditions.

A Classic Reimagined: The Allure of Peppermint and Sugar Cookies

There’s something inherently enchanting about peppermint during the holidays. Its cool, crisp flavor instantly evokes memories of winter wonderland, frosty mornings, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. When combined with the comforting sweetness of a classic sugar cookie, it creates a treat that is both nostalgic and exciting. Our recipe takes inspiration from the beloved Lofthouse-style cookies, known for their incredible softness and melt-in-your-mouth texture, and infuses them with a distinct holiday twist. We’ve perfected the base by incorporating a touch of sour cream for an unbelievably tender crumb, making these homemade cookies far superior to any store-bought alternative.

The visual appeal of candy canes, with their iconic red and white stripes, is undeniably captivating. They are a quintessential symbol of Christmas, adding a festive pop of color and sparkle to any dessert spread. Beyond their beauty, their delightful crunch and unmistakable peppermint flavor make them an ideal topping for holiday treats. Forget the tedious process of crushing candy canes yourself; BRACH’S® Peppermint Crushed Candy Canes offer unparalleled convenience, ready to sprinkle and transform your cookies into edible works of art. These delightful candy cane sprinkles are not just for decorating; they infuse every bite with an authentic holiday taste, making them perfect for festive gift-giving or simply sweetening your own family’s celebrations.

Beyond these delightful cookies, the vibrant flavor of peppermint shines in a variety of holiday desserts. For those who adore this festive ingredient, consider exploring other peppermint-infused recipes such as a luxurious Peppermint Candy Brownie Trifle, an elegant Peppermint Tres Leches Cake, or rich Peppermint Frosted Chocolate Cookies. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the refreshing taste of peppermint throughout the season.

BRACH’S: A Legacy of Sweetness and Holiday Innovation

For nearly 120 years, BRACH’S® has played an integral role in making moments sweeter, and their candy canes stand as a testament to this enduring legacy. As America’s #1 Candy Cane brand, BRACH’S® consistently delivers a wide array of iconic product forms, shapes, textures, and flavors, ensuring there’s a perfect treat for every occasion. This commitment to combining beloved classics with exciting new ideas is evident in their limited-edition holiday innovations:

• BRACH’S® Holiday Heat Candy Canes: For those who enjoy a delightful kick, these sweet and spicy candy canes offer deliciously fruity flavors with a hint of chili heat. Available in assorted boxes of Watermelon Chili, Pineapple Chili, and Mango Chili, they provide an unexpected and intriguing taste experience.
• BRACH’S® Holiday Lights: Perfect for creative holiday projects, these jelly candies are shaped like festive holiday lights and come in an assortment of lemon, blue raspberry, lime, and cherry flavors. They are an absolute must-have for decorating gingerbread houses and adding a playful touch to your seasonal crafts.

Discover the full range of festive candies and find everything you need to sweeten your holidays by visiting the official BRACH’S® website.

Join the BRACH’S® Sweetness Swap Holiday Tradition!

This holiday season, America’s #1 Candy Cane Brand is excited to host its first-ever holiday tradition exchange: the “BRACH’S® Sweetness Swap.” This unique event invites fans to share their cherished holiday traditions on BRACHS.com/SweetnessSwap. In exchange for your shared tradition, you’ll receive a new festive activity idea to try and a voucher for a free* box of BRACH’S® Peppermint Candy Canes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover new ways to celebrate and enjoy classic holiday treats!

Candy canes are incredibly versatile, making them the perfect treat for snacking, baking, decorating, or gifting. To kick off this nationwide holiday tradition exchange, BRACH’S® generously sent us a holiday package featuring their classic Peppermint Candy Canes, along with their exciting new Holiday Heat Candy Canes and delightful Holiday Lights jelly candies. We encourage you to participate in the BRACH’S® Sweetness Swap! Submissions are open from December 5th through December 16th. The first 5,000 claimants will receive e-cards from BRACH’S® suggesting a new fan-submitted activity to sweeten their holidays, along with that coveted voucher for a free box of Peppermint Candy Canes.

Essential Ingredients for Your Candy Cane Frosted Cookies

Crafting these delectable holiday cookies requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Pay attention to the temperatures specified, as they significantly impact the final texture of your cookies and frosting.

For the Super Soft Lofthouse-Style Sugar Cookies:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cornstarch (key for that signature softness!)
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• Sour cream, room temperature (replaces cream cheese for a unique tender crumb)
• Vanilla extract

For the Irresistible Candy Cane & Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream or milk
• Pure peppermint extract (adjust amount to your taste; vanilla extract can be used for a milder peppermint flavor if you primarily want the candy cane crunch)
• 2-3 drops red or pink gel food coloring (optional, but adds a festive touch)
• Pinch of salt
• Crushed candy canes (for topping)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Candy Cane Frosted Sugar Cookies

Creating these festive cookies is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear instructions for a delightful baking experience.

Preparing the Sugar Lofthouse Christmas Cookies:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch. Set this mixture aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically for 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then, add the room temperature sour cream and mix until just incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well blended.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Use a spatula to scrape down the bowl and gently fold in any remaining pockets of flour.
5. Gather the dough, shape it into a flat disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking, ensuring a perfect shape and tender texture.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough out to approximately 1/3 inch thick. Use a 3-inch circular cookie cutter to cut out your cookies. Gather any dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out additional cookies until all the dough is used.
7. Carefully transfer the cut cookies to baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are just barely set and the bottoms begin to turn a very light golden color. The cookies should still look pale on top for that signature Lofthouse softness.
8. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the cookies are fully cooled before frosting.

Crafting the Candy Cane & Peppermint Buttercream Frosting:

1. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream the room temperature unsalted butter for about 1 minute until smooth.
2. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until well blended and lump-free.
3. Add the heavy cream (or milk), pure peppermint extract (adjusting to your desired peppermint intensity), and a small pinch of salt. Continue to beat on medium speed for an additional minute, or until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more cream or milk, a teaspoon at a time, if a thinner consistency is desired.
4. If using, add 2-3 drops of red or pink gel food coloring until you achieve your preferred festive shade. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of this delicious peppermint buttercream frosting over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful, festive finish. Enjoy your homemade Candy Cane Frosted Cookies!

Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Frosted Sugar Cookies

Achieving bakery-quality cookies at home is easy with a few simple tips:

• This recipe yields approximately 12-15 large Lofthouse-style cookies. If you’re baking for a larger gathering or prefer smaller treats, feel free to double or triple the recipe, or use a smaller cookie cutter and adjust baking times accordingly. While we adore the impressive size of these cookies, smaller versions are often ideal for parties and dessert platters.
• Always use parchment paper on your baking sheets to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. The most crucial tip for these soft cookies is to avoid overbaking. Bake them just until the edges are barely set and the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should still look slightly underdone to achieve that famously soft, cakey texture.
• Chilling the cookie dough for at least an hour is non-negotiable. This prevents the dough from spreading excessively in the oven, helping your cookies maintain their beautiful round shape and delightful chewiness. While the dough chills, you can whip up your frosting and tint it to your desired festive colors.
• For consistent cookie size, use a 3-inch circular cookie cutter or a similar size after rolling the dough to 1/3 inch thickness. If opting for smaller cookies, remember to shorten the baking time slightly.
• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw and frost when ready to serve.

Don’t forget to SUBMIT your favorite holiday tradition (perhaps one involving delicious candy!) as part of the BRACH’S® Sweetness Swap. In return, you could receive a voucher for a free box of BRACH’S® Peppermint Candy Canes* and a brand-new festive activity to try with your loved ones this season! BRACH’S® Peppermint Candy Canes, BRACH’S® Cherry Candy Canes, BRACH’S® Peppermint Mini Candy Canes, and BRACH’S® Peppermint Crushed Candy Canes are readily available at grocery stores, drug stores, and mass-market retailers nationwide. These versatile treats are perfect for snacking, baking, decorating, or gifting throughout the holiday season. For more information and inspiration, visit www.brachs.com.

We hope these delightful Candy Cane Frosted Sugar Cookies fill your home with holiday cheer and your taste buds with joy! Get ready to experience pure Christmas cookie bliss in every single bite. These cookies, along with festive options like Grinch Sugar Cookies, truly embody the spirit of the season. Share your beautiful creations and holiday spirit with us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!

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