Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are a festive treat that brings joy to holiday gatherings. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful peppermint flavor, these cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, family celebrations, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa. Their stunning appearance and simple preparation make them a standout choice during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these delightful cookies.
• Festive Flavor – The refreshing taste of candy cane combined with buttery shortbread is sure to please any crowd.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a sweet addition to your dessert table.
• Beautiful Presentation – The vibrant red-and-white colors make these cookies visually appealing for any occasion.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Experience the irresistible softness that shortbread is known for in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin making your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie cutter (optional)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – These tools ensure your dough is whipped to perfection, maximizing air incorporation for that light texture.
• Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients and keeping your workspace organized.
• Baking sheets – A good quality baking sheet promotes even cooking, helping your cookies bake uniformly.
• Cooling rack – Allows cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Topping

• Crushed candy canes, for garnish

How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar using a stand mixer or hand mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Extracts and Dry Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and mix until combined. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. If desired, use a cookie cutter to shape them into festive designs.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until they are lightly golden at the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for that festive touch. Enjoy!

How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Serving Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies can enhance your festive gatherings. These cookies are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them a perfect treat for any holiday occasion.

With Peppermint Hot Chocolate

• A cozy pairing that complements the minty flavor of the cookies. Serve alongside a steaming mug for a delightful experience.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies with other holiday treats like sugar cookies and chocolate truffles. This colorful platter will impress your guests.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Package the cookies in festive boxes or bags. They make thoughtful gifts during the holiday season, spreading joy and sweetness.

At Cookie Exchanges

• Bring these unique cookies to cookie exchange parties. Their festive appearance will make them a standout choice among traditional offerings.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

To achieve the best results with your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps maintain shape when baking and enhances flavor.
• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smoother mixture, leading to lighter and fluffier cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the texture tender; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Experiment with peppermint extract: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preference; start with less if you prefer milder flavors.
• Decorate creatively: Use crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles on top before baking for added visual appeal and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

When serving Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, consider pairing them with side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast that enhances the overall experience.
3. Peppermint Bark: Pair these cookies with homemade peppermint bark for an extra festive touch.
4. Spiced Nuts: Serve warm spiced nuts as a crunchy counterpart to the soft texture of the shortbread.
5. Hot Apple Cider: A warm drink like spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with peppermint flavors in the cookies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Boldly overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring chilling time: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much while baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Using stale candy canes: Old candy canes may not have the vibrant flavor you expect. Use fresh ones for the best taste and crunch.
• Baking at incorrect temperatures: Baking at too high or too low a temperature can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can replace peppermint with vanilla or almond extract for different flavor profiles.

How do I know when my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are done?

Look for lightly golden edges; they should still appear soft in the center as they will firm up when cooling.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it, or bake the cookies and store them.

What toppings can I add to my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

Consider drizzling melted chocolate or adding sprinkles to enhance their festive look!

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies combine delightful flavors and textures into an easy recipe perfect for any holiday gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality makes them irresistible, and they can easily be customized with different extracts or toppings. Try making these delightful treats today!