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What kind of recipe is it?
Candy Corn Christmas Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats, merging the iconic flavors of candy corn with the festive spirit of Christmas.
These visually appealing cookies are characterized by their bright, tri-colored layers resembling candy corn, providing a fun and colorful addition to your holiday baking.
Perfect for families, kids, and anyone looking to spread some cheer, this recipe is an easy way to introduce creativity into your festive gatherings.
Bake these cookies to impress guests and create sweet memories!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¾ cups |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup, packed |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Candy corn | 1 cup, chopped (optional for decoration) |
| Food coloring | Yellow, orange, and white (gel or liquid, as needed) |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup (for optional icing) |
| Milk | 1-2 tablespoons (for optional icing) |
These ingredients will come together to create colorful and festive Candy Corn Christmas Cookies that are sure to delight!
Cooking Steps
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and position the oven rack in the center. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ¾ cups (320 g) of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (4 g) of baking powder, ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 1 cup (227 g) of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup (200 g) of granulated sugar, and ½ cup (100 g) of packed brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix. The cookie dough should be slightly sticky.
- Divide the cookie dough into three equal portions. For coloring, add food coloring: to one portion, mix in yellow; to the second, mix in orange; and leave the third portion uncolored (white). Use gloves or a spatula to prevent staining.
- Using a 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cookie scoop, portion out small amounts of each colored dough. Roll them into balls, then layer them (yellow, orange, white) to create a tri-colored candy corn effect.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 5 cm (2 inches) apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The aroma should be sweet and buttery.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them set while retaining a soft texture.
- If desired, for optional icing, mix 1 cup (100 g) of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread the icing on the cooled cookies when they’re completely cool.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped candy corn on top of the icing while still wet for decoration.
- Allow the icing to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.
- Enjoy your colorful, festive Candy Corn Christmas Cookies!
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Candy Corn Cookies: Add 1 cup (170 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a rich chocolate flavor alongside the festive colors.
- Gluten-Free Candy Corn Cookies: Substitute the all-purpose flour with 2 ¾ cups (340 g) of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free adaptation.
- Vegan Candy Corn Cookies: Replace the butter with 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil and the eggs with 1 cup (240 g) of unsweetened applesauce for a plant-based version.
- Pumpkin Spice Candy Corn Cookies: Mix in 1 teaspoon (2 g) of pumpkin pie spice and ¼ cup (60 ml) of pure pumpkin puree into the wet mixture for a seasonal twist.
Tips on plating and presentation
While you might think the flavor’s the star of the show, how you plate and present your Candy Corn Christmas Cookies can truly elevate the festive experience.
I love using colorful plates or trays that complement the vibrant hues of the cookies. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a snowy effect, perfect for the holidays! You can stack the cookies in playful towers or arrange them in a circular pattern for a stunning display.
Don’t forget about garnishes—edible glitter or festive sprinkles can add a magical touch.
For gifting, wrapping them in clear cellophane with a colorful ribbon creates an inviting presentation. Trust me, it’ll make your cookies the center of attention, and everyone will be excited to dig in!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
Once you’ve perfected the presentation of your Candy Corn Christmas Cookies, think about what other delightful dishes can accompany them for a festive spread.
I love to pair these cookies with a mix of classic treats that enhance their colorful charm. Try adding sugar cookies decorated with festive icing, or delicious gingerbread men to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
You can even serve them alongside chocolate peppermint bark, which adds a rich, minty contrast. For a touch of elegance, include a fruit platter with seasonal fruits like cranberries and clementines.
Finally, a selection of nut-filled treats—like spiced pecans—balances sweetness with a savory crunch. These dishes together create a festive feast that’s sure to delight both kids and adults!
What drinks can I pair it with?
To complement my Candy Corn Christmas Cookies, I love serving a selection of festive drinks that enhance their whimsical charm.
A classic choice is warm apple cider, which infuses a cozy autumn flavor. Hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles, offers a rich and decadent option that kids adore.
For a fun twist, I sometimes whip up a fruit punch using orange and pineapple juice—its bright color echoes the cookies’ vibrant hues.
If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll blend a Halloween-themed smoothie with bananas, spinach, and yogurt for added nutrition. Each drink brings its own delightful touch, making our cookie party even more special!
What’s your favorite drink to pair with treats?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can use gluten-free flour for this recipe! I’ve had great success with it in my baking. Just make sure to choose a good blend to maintain that perfect texture. Enjoy your baking adventure!
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If they start to get too soft, I’ll pop them in the fridge for a little while to keep them fresh. Enjoy!
Are These Cookies Suitable for Gift Giving?
I love gifting cookies, and these are perfect. Their festive colors and unique flavors make them a delightful present. Just pack them nicely, and they’ll surely bring smiles to anyone receiving them!
Can Children Help in the Cookie-Making Process?
I love involving kids in the cookie-making process. They can mix ingredients, shape dough, and decorate. It’s a fun way to bond, and their creativity makes each batch uniquely special. Let’s get baking together!
What Are Some Fun Decorating Ideas for These Cookies?
I love using colorful icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter to decorate! Drawing faces with melt-in-your-mouth chocolate or adding mini candies makes it even more fun. Let your creativity shine—don’t hold back on the festive flair!