Candy Cane Twist Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking to add a festive touch to your holiday baking, these Candy Cane Twist Cookies are a must-try. These cookies bring together a rich almond flavor with a hint of cocoa, spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and twisted into the shape of classic candy canes. Their festive red and white stripes make them the perfect treat for holiday parties, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 170g |
| All-purpose flour | 250g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 20g |
| Butter (room temperature) | 170g |
| Powdered sugar | 180g |
| Eggs | 55g |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground ginger | 1 tsp |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
Begin by placing 170g of almond flour and 250g of all-purpose flour into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix the two flours together until well combined. -
-
Create the Crumbly Dough:
Add 170g of butter to the flour mixture. Start the mixer at low speed to combine the butter with the flour, resulting in a crumbly, sandy texture. Once the mixture has achieved a coarse consistency, add 180g of powdered sugar and continue mixing until the dough begins to come together. -
Make the Spiced Dough:
Once the first dough is ready, transfer it to a flat surface and flatten it into a disk. Next, place the dough back into the mixer bowl and add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the remaining dough. Mix until fully incorporated. -
Chill the Dough:
Once both doughs are ready, divide them into two separate bowls. Flatten both doughs into disks and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the doughs for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up, which will make them easier to handle. -
Shape the Cookies:
After the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and lightly flour your work surface. Roll both doughs into long strips, each about 0.5 cm thick. Use a dough scraper to cut each strip into pieces that are about 15-18 cm long. You should have the same number of strips for both the white (almond) and the chocolate doughs. -
Twist the Strips:
Place one strip of chocolate dough alongside a white dough strip. Lightly brush water on one of the strips using a pastry brush to help them adhere to one another. Then, gently twist the two strips together, forming a candy cane shape. The twisted dough should be about 1.5 cm in diameter. -
Chill the Twisted Dough:
Once the candy cane shapes are formed, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Chill the tray in the fridge for another 10 minutes to ensure the dough stays firm during baking. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After the dough has chilled, carefully transfer the candy cane twists to a baking sheet, spaced out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. -
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The cookies will hold their shape and have a delightful texture, perfect for enjoying with a hot drink or sharing with loved ones.
Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon and ginger in the dough.
- Shaping Tip: When twisting the dough, make sure not to press too hard on the strips. Gentle twisting will give the cookies their delicate texture.
- Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or frozen for longer storage. Simply layer them between parchment paper to keep them from sticking.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 cookie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
These Candy Cane Twist Cookies are a delicious treat, perfect for the holidays. Their crispy, buttery texture combined with the rich almond and cocoa flavor creates a delightful balance. Enjoy these festive cookies with friends and family for a sweet celebration of the season.
