These Easy Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are light, buttery, and full of holiday cheer! They melt in your mouth and have the perfect hint of peppermint to brighten your day.
Making these cookies is a breeze! Just whip up the dough, add some crushed candy canes, and shape. They’re great for sharing or sneaking a few for yourself! 🎄❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness of your cookies. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar type makes for a light and fluffy texture. Granulated sugar can work too, but it will change the cookie’s final texture, making them less melt-in-your-mouth.
Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add a festive touch. If you want to avoid them, try using crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or just sprinkle on some chocolate chips for a different flavor.
Colored Sugar or Sprinkles: The sprinkles add a fun festive vibe! You can skip them, or use any other colored sprinkles or edible glitter you have on hand for some holiday flair.
How Can I Get My Cookies Light and Fluffy?
The secret to airy cookies is in how you mix your butter and sugar. Start by beating the softened butter until it’s creamy, which helps incorporate air. When you add the powdered sugar, mix until it’s light and fluffy.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use an electric mixer for best results, whips in more air than hand mixing.
- Don’t skip creaming the butter and sugar well—this step is key to the texture.
Remember, each step matters! This will ensure your cookies come out soft and tender, making them a delightful treat any time!
Easy Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 4 candy canes), plus extra for topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup colored sugar or sprinkles (red and green)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, with an additional 12-15 minutes for baking. Make sure to allow time for the cookies to cool, about 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then on a wire rack for complete cooling. So, all in all, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to enjoying your cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating, you can set up your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup!
2. Cream the Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the softened butter. Beat it for about 2 minutes until it’s creamy and smooth. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the butter, which helps make your cookies light and fluffy!
3. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
Now it’s time to add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the creamed butter. Continue to whip this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take another minute or two. You’ll love the sweet smell of vanilla filling your kitchen!
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout your flour and nothing clumps together when you mix it into the wet ingredients.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed to combine. Be careful not to overmix; you just want everything to come together nicely.
6. Fold in Candy Canes:
Now gently fold in the crushed candy canes, along with any colored sugar or sprinkles if you’re using them. This step adds that festive touch and a delightful peppermint flavor to your cookies!
7. Scoop the Dough:
Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls and place them onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie since they will spread a little while baking.
8. Garnish with Candy Canes:
For an extra touch, lightly press some additional crushed candy canes on top of each cookie. This not only looks pretty but adds even more minty flavor!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the cookies into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn a nice light golden brown on the edges while the centers stay pale.
10. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up perfectly!
11. Store and Enjoy:
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week, although we doubt they’ll last that long with how delicious they are!
Enjoy your soft, buttery shortbread cookies speckled and topped with crunchy peppermint candy canes — perfect for the holiday season! Happy baking!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
While you can substitute margarine for butter, keep in mind that it might change the flavor and texture slightly. Choose a high-quality margarine for the best results, and ensure it’s also softened for easy mixing.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Yes! You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer; just add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them, but this may change their texture, making them a bit firmer.
What Can I Use Instead of Candy Canes?
If you prefer, you can use crushed peppermint candies, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure whatever you choose complements the sweet shortbread base well!
