There’s something magical about the combination of colorful stripes and sweet, buttery cookies. Candy-striped cookies are not only delightful to look at but also incredibly fun to make. These vibrant treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for a bit of whimsy. Follow this easy recipe to bake your own batch of candy-striped cookies that will impress both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Stripes:
- Red food coloring
- Green food coloring (optional, for a festive look)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla:
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Create the Stripes
- Divide Dough:
- Divide the dough into two (or three, if using green) equal portions.
- Color the Dough:
- Leave one portion plain. Add red food coloring to the second portion, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. If using a third portion, add green food coloring and mix well.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Form Strips:
- Take small portions of each color dough and roll them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch in diameter and 6 inches long.
- Create Striped Logs:
- Lay the strips side by side, alternating colors, and gently press them together. Twist the combined strips to create a candy-cane-like effect, then roll into a log. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Chill the Logs:
- Wrap each dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice Cookies:
- Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator. Slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick cookies and roll the edges in granulated sugar.
- Bake:
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
- Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your candy-striped cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends or adding a colorful touch to your dessert table. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Tips for Perfect Candy-Striped Cookies
- Uniform Stripes: Make sure your dough strips are of uniform thickness for even baking and a neat appearance.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the dough logs ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Experiment with Colors: Feel free to experiment with different color combinations to suit various occasions or themes.
Happy baking and enjoy your delicious candy-striped cookies!
