Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe

If you are searching for a festive and delightful treat to impress your loved ones this holiday season, look no further than the Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe. These soft, tender cookies burst with cool peppermint flavor, perfectly complemented by a hint of almond and topped with a luscious, creamy frosting speckled with crunchy crushed candy canes. Whether you’re sharing at a holiday party or enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, this recipe brings both nostalgic charm and a sophisticated twist that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe relies on simple ingredients that work harmoniously to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the butter that ensures richness and softness to the peppermint extract that delivers that unmistakable holiday punch.

• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides creamy richness and tender crumb to the cookies.
• 1 Cup sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the cookie exterior.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookie’s soft texture.
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract: Offers the signature refreshing flavor of candy canes.
• 1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract: Adds a warm, nutty depth that complements the peppermint.
• 3 Cups flour: The foundation of your cookie’s structure, ensuring perfect chewiness.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the dough to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
• 1 Cup sugar (for coating): Used to coat the cookies for a delightful sugary crust.
• 1 Cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting: Forms the creamy base of the peppermint frosting.
• 3 1/2 Cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
• 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (for frosting): Ensures the frosting has that classic candy cane taste.
• 10 candy canes (crushed): Adds festive crunch and vibrant red-and-white color to the frosting topping.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

Before diving in, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This step guarantees even baking and prevents your cookies from sticking, making clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, sugar, eggs, peppermint extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is the flavor powerhouse of your cookies, so ensure everything is well combined for the best taste.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This ensures that your baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dough, helping your cookies rise beautifully and maintain their tender texture.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, beating until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies soft and fluffy after baking.

Step 5: Form the Cookie Balls

Using a large ice cream scoop, portion out the dough and roll each scoop into a ball with your hands. This not only helps in creating uniform cookies but also makes the process fun and hands-on.

Step 6: Sugar-Coat and Flatten

Spray the bottom of a flat cup with cooking spray and dip it into the cup of sugar set aside for coating. Press the cup gently into each dough ball, flattening it into a thick disk coated in sugar. This step creates a sweet, sparkling crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft cookie interior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes. This allows each batch to bake evenly without crowding the oven, ensuring that each cookie comes out tender with slightly crisp edges.

Step 8: Cool Completely Before Frosting

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the cookie sheets. Cooling is crucial so the frosting doesn’t melt upon contact, preserving that creamy peppermint topping.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

Beat the softened butter together with powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth and fluffy. The frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Generously frost each cooled cookie, then sprinkle the crushed candy canes on top. The crushed candy canes add delightful texture and iconic holiday colors that make these cookies truly special.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe even more, try adding a small drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a sparkling effect. Fresh mint leaves on the side can add a fresh burst of green that contrasts beautifully with the festive red and white.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a classic experience. The warm drinks perfectly complement the peppermint flavor while cooling the palate between sweet bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a festive platter surrounded by pine branches, cinnamon sticks, and mini ornaments for a picture-perfect holiday display. You can also stack them in clear glass jars tied with red ribbon as charming handmade gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft yet fresh, preserving the peppermint essence and the creamy frosting.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookies after baking but before frosting; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw completely and then add the frosting and crushed candy canes for the freshest taste.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, gently heat them in a microwave for about 10 seconds. Avoid warming the frosted cookies too long as the frosting might melt and lose its texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract if I don’t have it?

Absolutely! If you don’t have almond extract, you can simply omit it or replace it with a vanilla extract for a milder flavor. The peppermint will still shine through wonderfully.

How do I crush candy canes easily?

Place the candy canes inside a sealed plastic bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or heavy pan. This method keeps all the pieces contained and minimizes mess.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. For best results, make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to make vegan Candy Cane Cookies?

With some ingredient swaps like using vegan butter and flaxseed eggs, you can create a delicious vegan version. Just be mindful to use vegan-friendly extracts and powdered sugar.

How do I get the cookies to look just like Crumbl’s?

Use a large ice cream scooper to portion the dough evenly and a flat cup sprayed with non-stick spray to flatten and sugar-coat the cookie dough. This helps achieve uniform, thick disks similar to Crumbl’s signature style.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about creating Candy Cane Cookies (Crumbl Copycat) Recipe at home. The joyful pep of peppermint, the tender, buttery cookies, and the festive crunch of candy canes bring the holiday spirit alive in the most delicious way. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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