Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are the perfect treat to brighten up any holiday gathering. These cookies offer a delightful combination of buttery shortbread and festive candy cane flavor, making them ideal for special occasion parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home. Their light and airy texture paired with a sweet peppermint twist creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of rich buttery shortbread and refreshing peppermint makes these cookies a crowd-pleaser.
• Festive Appearance: With their colorful candy cane bits, these cookies add a cheerful touch to your holiday cookie platter.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The whipped shortbread technique ensures these cookies are light, airy, and simply irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

To make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures a smooth batter by thoroughly whipping the butter and sugar together for that light texture.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet allows even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Candy Cane Topping

• 1 cup crushed candy canes

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare your cookie dough. This ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
1. 1 cup unsalted butter
2. ½ cup powdered sugar

Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in:
1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. ¼ cup cornstarch

Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Incorporate Vanilla Extract

Blend in:
1. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

This will add a delicious flavor to your cookies.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop small amounts of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Add Candy Cane Topping

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle each cookie with crushed candy canes while they are still warm so that they stick nicely.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

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

Serving Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies is an enjoyable experience that adds a festive touch to any gathering. These cookies not only taste great but also look stunning on any dessert table.

Festive Dessert Platter

• Arrange a colorful platter with these cookies alongside other holiday treats like sugar cookies and chocolate truffles for a visually appealing display.

Hot Chocolate Pairing

• Serve these cookies with rich hot chocolate. The peppermint flavor complements the warm cocoa, creating a delightful pairing.

Cookie Exchange Table

• Present your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies at a cookie exchange. Their unique flavor will surely impress fellow bakers and guests alike.

Gift Boxes

• Package these cookies in decorative boxes or tins. They make wonderful homemade gifts during the holiday season, spreading joy and sweetness.

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

Perfecting your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies takes a bit of care, but the results are worth it. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Chill the Dough: After mixing, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Use Fresh Peppermint: For an intense flavor, consider using fresh peppermint extract instead of imitation. It enhances the freshness of your cookies.
• Pipe with Precision: When piping the dough onto the baking sheet, use a large star tip for beautiful shapes that bake evenly.
• Add Colorful Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle crushed candy canes or colored sprinkles on top for added festive flair and crunch.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies can elevate your holiday dessert experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made with layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes. It’s easy to prepare and complements the cookie flavors beautifully.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: These sweet-and-salty snacks add texture and contrast to your dessert spread. Drizzle them with white chocolate for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes topped with peppermint frosting offer a creamy counterpart to the lightness of shortbread cookies.
4. Fruit Skewers: Assemble skewers using fresh strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple for a refreshing balance to the sweet cookies.
5. Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg provides a crunchy, savory option that pairs well with sweeter desserts.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve scoops of vanilla ice cream alongside warm cookies for a comforting dessert combination that everyone will enjoy.
7. Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa station with various toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and crushed candy canes for guests to customize their drinks while enjoying the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Using cold butter – Cold butter doesn’t whip well. Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for a light texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined for a tender bite.
• Skipping chill time – Not chilling the dough can lead to spreading during baking. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Using stale candy canes – Old candy canes may not add flavor or crunch. Use fresh ones for the best taste and texture in your cookies.
• Not measuring accurately – Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper, for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them before decorating with crushed candy canes.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

• Oven – Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat on low power in short bursts of 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, covering it just until warmed through.

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 experiment with vanilla, almond, or even citrus flavors to customize your shortbread cookies.

How do I make my cookies more festive?

You can add colored sprinkles or different flavored extracts alongside the crushed candy canes for added color and taste.

Can I substitute the butter for a non-dairy option?

Absolutely! You can use vegan butter as a substitute for traditional butter in this recipe.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure to chill the dough before baking and avoid using warm ingredients in your mixture.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different flavors or toppings. Try making these delightful treats for your holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges!