Peppermint-flavored red and white dough makes a striking holiday cookie.
These stories are amusing in retrospect, but never fun when they are actually happening.
(One of mine actually involved a missing python snake in our apartment.)
Irvin Lin
But every now and then, something decent comes from all the insanity.
One of my favorite memories from an otherwise mismatched roommate situation is learning how to make candy cane cookies.
What Are Candy Cane Cookies?
Irvin Lin
So, these cookies werent even on my radar until that fateful roommate pairing.
We were still in our “honeymoon” period when he suggested we make candy cane cookies.
I had no idea what he meant and thought they must be cookies made with crushed candy canes.
Irvin Lin
I was enchanted and have never looked back.
Eventually, our roommate situation grew toxic, and I moved out.
I have no regrets about living with him, though.
Irvin Lin
How To Make Candy Cane Cookies
These cookies are easier to make than they look.
Make one simple dough, split it in two, and add red food coloring to one half.
Roll two different ropes of dough, twist them together, and shape them into “candy canes.”
Irvin Lin
A lot of recipes tell you to sprinkle crushed candy canes (real ones!)
over the cookies right out of the oven.
Freeze until the cookies are solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe, zip-top bag or other airtight container.
Irvin Lin
Storage Tips for Candy Cane Cookies
Looking for More Cookies for Your Cookie Tray?
Beat until a paste forms and clings to the side of the bowl.
Scrape down the side of the bowl and beat in the egg until it is absorbed.
Irvin Lin
Add the flour and beat until just combined and no more dry streaks of flour remain.
Divide and remove half the dough from the bowl.
Carefully add the red food coloring to the remaining dough.
Irvin Lin
Mix on low until the color is evenly distributed.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking mat.
The chilled dough should be firm, but still easy to shape straight from the fridge.
Irvin Lin
If not, let it warm for just a few minutes until malleable.
Don’t let it warm too much or it will be too soft to work with again.
Pinch off a 1-inch round piece of the white dough and roll it out to a 5-inch rope.
Irvin Lin
Do the same with a piece of the red dough (double-check the ropes are the same length).
Place the ropes next to each other and twist together.
Transfer to the baking sheet and curve the top of the dough into a candy cane shape.
Irvin Lin
Repeat with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Make the egg white wash by beating the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water until foamy.
Brush the top of each cookie with the egg white wash and then sprinkle with the sugar.
Irvin Lin
Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just barely brown.
Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire cooling rack.
Simple Tip!
Let the cookie sheets cool completely before putting in the next batch.
These cookies will keep for a week or two in a sealed container at room temperature.
