Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies combine the rich taste of buttery shortbread with festive flavors. These cookies are not only delicious, but they also look stunning with their colorful sprinkles and a delicious Hershey’s Candy Cane Kiss on top. They are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even as a fun project to do with family and friends. Easy to make and delightful to eat, these cookies will surely be a hit!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will fall in love with Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies for many reasons. First, the soft and buttery taste of the shortbread is simply mouthwatering. It melts in your mouth and feels comforting with every bite. Second, the sweet addition of Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses adds a burst of minty flavor, making the cookies even more festive. Finally, the colorful sprinkles give these cookies a fun and cheerful look, perfect for any celebration. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them at home, these cookies are sure to bring joy to everyone!
HOW TO MAKE Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
Making Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies is simple and rewarding. You will find that creating these delightful treats is a fun activity that brings people together. Follow the steps closely, and don’t forget to enjoy the process – and the delicious results!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you begin making your cookies, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Shallow bowl for sprinkles
- Small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup salted butter (softened)
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup color nonpareil sprinkles
- 1 10-ounce bag Hershey’s Holiday Candy Cane Kisses
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat oven to 350°F. Preheat your oven so the cookies bake evenly.
- Pour sprinkles into a shallow bowl. This allows for easy rolling of the cookie dough balls in sprinkles.
- Unwrap Candy Cane Kisses. Take the time to carefully unwrap each kiss so they are ready for the cookies.
- Combine butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. In a mixing bowl, add softened butter, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often until creamy. This helps all the ingredients blend well together.
- Add flour. Slowly add 2 cups of flour to the mixture. Beat at low speed, scraping the bowl often until the dough is well mixed.
- Shape the dough. Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to shape the dough into small 1-inch balls.
- Roll in sprinkles. Roll each ball of dough in the colorful sprinkles, pressing gently so they stick to the dough. Ensure that the little balls are covered with sprinkles.
- Place on cookie sheets. Arrange the sprinkles-covered dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 14-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Add the kisses. Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly place a Candy Cane Kiss in the center of each cookie. Press down gently until the kiss sinks about 1/4 inch into the cookie.
- Avoid heavy pressure. Do not press too hard, as this may cause the cookies to crack. If any cracks appear, gently push the edges back together while the cookies are warm.
- Let stand on the sheet pan for 5 minutes. This helps the kisses set into the cookies.
- Transfer to cooling rack. Carefully move the cookies to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely. Be patient, as the kisses need time to firm up. If moved too early, they may collapse or lose their shape.
HOW TO SERVE Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies are best served fresh, but they can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. If you like, you can pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or tea during the holiday season. They also make a great dessert after a festive meal. Serve them on a decorative plate for a beautiful presentation.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. After they are frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you are ready to enjoy them, let the cookies thaw at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Consider these serving suggestions for your Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies:
- Add a festive touch by dusting the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a fun dessert.
- Present them in a gift box as a homemade holiday gift for friends and family.
- Use them as a delightful decoration for a holiday table setting.
VARIATIONS
You can adjust the Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies to match your taste. Here are a few variations to think about:
- Chocolate Dipped Versions: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Additions: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch.
- Different Flavors: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract to give a unique flavor to your cookies.
- Other Toppings: Try using different types of candy on top, such as chocolate chips or peppermint patties, instead of the Candy Cane Kisses.
FAQs
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted? Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the mixture if you prefer a salty hint.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.
- What can I do if my cookies are too crumbly? If the dough is too crumbly, add one tablespoon of milk at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Why are my cookies cracking when I press in the kisses? If the cookies crack, it could be that you pressed the kiss in too far. Try pressing gently, just enough to hold it in place.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
If you want to prepare ahead, follow these tips:
- Prepare the dough ahead of time: Make the dough and refrigerate it, allowing you to bake fresh cookies on the day of the event.
- Bake and freeze: You can bake the cookies and freeze them. Just warm them slightly before serving for the best taste.
- Pre-measure ingredients: You can pre-measure and set out your ingredients, making it easier and faster to whip up your cookies when you’re ready.
With these tips and insights, your Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies will surely be a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations! Enjoy baking and, most importantly, enjoy eating these sweet treats!
Candy Cane Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- Pour sprinkles into a shallow bowl.
- Unwrap Candy Cane Kisses.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Beat at medium speed, scraping the bowl often until creamy.
- Slowly add flour to the mixture. Beat at low speed, scraping the bowl often until the dough is well mixed.
- Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to shape the dough into small 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball of dough in the colorful sprinkles, pressing gently so they stick.
- Arrange the sprinkles-covered dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
- Bake for 14-18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and quickly place a Candy Cane Kiss in the center of each cookie, pressing down gently.
- Let stand on the sheet pan for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.