Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

TipWhy Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia’ and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.

Read More

1 of 3

Next: What Does the Name ‘Christmas’ Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

TipWhat Does the Name ‘Christmas’ Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?

Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word “Cristemasse” which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.

Read More

2 of 3

Next: How Can We Celebrate Christmas?

TipHow Can We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.

Read More

3 of 3

Next: Why Do We Celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25?

Sometimes things you loved when you were a kid don’t live up to your adult standards, but this Betty Crocker classic has busted through the child-adult taste barrier. Make the kids roll these cookies out, and then eat them yourself. Make the kids roll these cookies out, and then eat them yourself (or whip up our classic Eggnog recipe while you wait). This recipe was featured as part of our Holiday Cookies photo gallery. For more festive treat recipes, check out our easy cake pops.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the work surface
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• Granulated sugar, for dusting the cookies

Instructions:

1. 1Heat the oven to 375°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. 2Combine the measured flour and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
3. 3In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until light in color and fluffy, about 1 minute. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed to combine (the mixture may look curdled). Turn the mixer off, add the reserved flour mixture, and mix on low speed until the dough just clumps around the paddle.
4. 4Divide the dough in half. Leave half in the mixing bowl and transfer the other half to a small bowl. Add the food coloring to one half of the dough and knead with a rubber spatula until the coloring is evenly incorporated.
5. 5Lightly flour a work surface. Pull 12 teaspoon-sized pieces from the red dough, then repeat with the uncolored dough. Using the palms of your hands, roll one piece of red dough into a 4-inch-long rope, dusting the work surface with flour as needed. Repeat with a piece of uncolored dough. Place the two ropes side by side and twist them together. Place on an ungreased baking sheet, curving the top of the cookie to form the hook of a candy cane (alternatively, shape into a wreath round). Repeat rolling and twisting with the remaining pieces of dough.
6. 6Bake until lightly browned on the bottom, about 9 minutes. Immediately transfer to a wire rack, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and cool completely. Repeat steps 5 and 6 with the remaining dough.
7. Share on Facebook
8. Share on Reddit
9. Print
10. Email
11. Save (113)

Read More