Spirited Essence Works

Ever since Bob the Elf taught my boys how to “grow” candy canes, we have had a ton of candy canes in our house. So, I’ve been trying to figure out ways to use up all of those candy canes. Hot cocoa, sprinkling them on ice cream, and eating them by themselves have cut down some of our supply. I have also used some to decorate the Christmas Tree. I decided let’s try baking with them. I let the boys crush up a few and threw them in a simple cookie recipe and voila! Candy cane cookies! The smashing candy canes step was the best part of the recipe for my boys.

Also, if you are working ideas for Elf On the Shelf. Here’s how Bob taught the boys how to “grow” candy canes.

Sprinkle the “seeds” in the special soil then add “fertilizer.” The next morning you will have a candy cane farm.

I’ve added to the crop occasionally throughout the days, since they planted so many seeds.

Now to get back to the topic at hand. Let’s learn how to make these delicious peppermint delights.

Candy Cane Cookies

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Yield: 2 dozen

Ingredients:

5 candy canes, crushed

1/2 cup of butter, softened

1 cup of sugar

1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

1 egg

1/4 tsp of salt

1/4 tsp of baking powder

1/8 tsp of baking soda

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

1/2 cup of powdered sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

Put your candy canes in a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or meat tenderizer mallet to crush them into pieces.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until well combined and fluffy. Add in the vanilla and egg. Slowly mix in the flour mixture. Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until combined.

Pour powdered sugar in a small bowl. Roll a tablespoon sized amount of dough into a ball and roll it in the powdered sugar, shaking off the excess. Place on prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.

Bake for 9-10 minutes. Remove and let sit for 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Enjoy!