Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

Day 2 of "12 Days of Vegan Christmas Cookies!" These Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies are the epitome of festive flavor. They take everything you love about traditional chocolate chip cookies and merge those feelings with holiday fun! Let's learn how to make them!

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Ingredients in Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

Wet Ingredients

• Vegan Butter (1 c): Vegan butter serves as the primary fat source in the recipe, contributing to the cookies' texture, moisture, and flavor. It helps create a tender and rich cookie without the use of dairy.
• Light Brown Sugar (1 c): Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies. Its molasses content enhances the flavor and texture, providing a soft and chewy consistency.
• Sugar (½ c): Granulated sugar complements the brown sugar, contributing to the sweetness of the cookies. It also aids in creating a slightly crisp exterior.
• Nondairy Milk (1 tbsp): Nondairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, adds moisture to the dough. It helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the overall tenderness of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp): Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, providing a warm and aromatic undertone. It complements the sweetness of the sugars and chocolate, creating a well-balanced taste.

Dry Ingredients

• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It also aids in browning during baking.
• Salt (¾ tsp): Salt balances the sweetness of the sugars and enhances the overall flavor profile. It adds depth to the cookies, preventing them from being overly sweet.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ c): All-purpose flour provides structure to the cookies. It contains gluten, which, when combined with other ingredients, forms the dough's structure and contributes to the desired texture.
• Nondairy Chocolate Chips (1 ½ c): Nondairy chocolate chips add a rich chocolatey flavor and pockets of gooey goodness to the cookies. They are a crucial element for creating the classic chocolate chip cookie experience without using dairy.
• Crushed Candy Canes (⅔ c): Crushed candy canes bring a festive and minty flavor to the cookies, creating a holiday twist. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a classic pairing, making these cookies perfect for the holiday season.

Steps to Make Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies (with pictures!)

1. Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl beat together vegan butter, brown sugar and sugar with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add in the nondairy milk, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Beat again until ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the flour to the bowl and beat until just combined. Do not over-mix. Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
2. Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Cookie dough will keep this way for up to 48 hours. 
3. Bake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 2 tablespoon scoops of cookie dough 2-3 inches apart on the baking sheet. Cookie dough should still be very cold and stiff. Place baking sheet on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Making Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

1. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vegan butter, nondairy chocolate chips, and crushed candy canes. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste and texture of the cookies.
2. Accurate Measurements: Measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Too much or too little flour can affect the texture of the cookies.
3. Chill the Dough: Consider chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least an hour before baking. Chilled dough is easier to handle, and it helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Crush Candy Canes Properly: If you can't find pre-crushed candy canes or peppermints at the store, you can crush your own. You can place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Ensure the pieces are not too large to distribute the minty flavor evenly.
5. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
6. Add Candy Canes Last: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes and chocolate chips as the last step in the mixing process. This helps distribute these ingredients evenly without over-mixing the dough.
7. Consistent Cookie Size: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure uniform-sized cookies. This ensures even baking, and all cookies will be done at the same time.
8. Cool on the Baking Sheet: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set without falling apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

While you can experiment with gluten-free flour, keep in mind that the texture may vary. Gluten contributes to the structure of traditional cookies, so the results might differ with gluten-free alternatives.

How do I prevent the candy canes from melting during baking?

Crush the candy canes into small pieces and gently fold them into the cookie dough just before baking. This helps prevent excessive melting and ensures the candy cane pieces maintain some integrity.

Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight?

Yes, you can refrigerate the cookie dough overnight. Chilled dough often results in thicker cookies. Just be sure to cover the dough well to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the cookie dough or baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, shape it into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. Baked cookies can be frozen in an airtight container.

FAQ's Continued

Can I omit the candy canes for a regular chocolate chip cookie recipe?

Absolutely! You can omit the candy canes for a classic chocolate chip cookie. Adjust the chocolate chip quantity to your liking, and follow the rest of the recipe as directed.

What's the purpose of the baking soda in the recipe?

Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. It also contributes to the browning of the cookies during baking.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes for a minty flavor?

Yes, you can use peppermint extract. Start with a small amount, such as ½ teaspoon, and adjust to your taste preference. Keep in mind that peppermint extract is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

How do I prevent the vegan candy cane chocolate chip cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. If you find the cookies are still spreading too much, you can add a couple of tablespoons of additional flour to the dough.

How to Serve Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here are some creative and festive ways to serve these delicious cookies:

1. On a Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a festive dessert platter along with other holiday treats. This creates a visually appealing display for gatherings or parties.
2. As a Cookie Tower: Stack the cookies in a tower or pyramid shape on a cake stand. This makes for an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table.
3. With Vegan Hot Chocolate: Serve the cookies alongside mugs of vegan hot chocolate. The combination of warm cocoa and the minty flavor from the candy canes creates a cozy and festive treat.
4. As a Gift in a Decorative Tin: Place a selection of cookies in a decorative tin or holiday-themed box. This makes for a thoughtful and tasty homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
5. On a Cookie Tray for Santa: Create a special plate of cookies for Santa Claus during the holiday season. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the festive touch.
6. With Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of vegan peppermint or chocolate ice cream between two cookies. Roll the edges in crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
7. In a Cookie Exchange: If you're participating in a cookie exchange, these vegan candy cane chocolate chip cookies make a unique and delicious contribution. Package them in festive wrapping for a festive presentation.
8. With Vegan Eggnog: Serve the cookies with glasses of vegan eggnog. The combination of the minty cookies and the spiced eggnog creates a festive and comforting pairing.

How to Store Vegan Candy Cane Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage ensures that your vegan candy cane chocolate chip cookies remain fresh and maintain their texture. Here's how to store them effectively:

1. Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. To explain, this helps prevent moisture from affecting their texture and keeps them from becoming stale.
2. Layering with Parchment Paper: If stacking cookies, layer them with sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their appearance.
3. Cool Completely Before Storing: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before storing them. Storing warm cookies can create condensation inside the container, leading to sogginess.
4. Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Vegan candy cane chocolate chip cookies typically remain fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
5. Refrigeration (Optional): While it's generally not necessary, you can refrigerate the cookies for longer shelf life. However, bring them to room temperature before serving to restore their original texture and flavor.
6. Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
7. Thawing Frozen Cookies: When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Refresh them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore their original texture.
8. Avoid Moisture: Keep the storage container away from moisture and direct sunlight. Moisture can lead to the cookies becoming soggy, and sunlight can also affect their flavor and color.

By following these storage tips, you can enjoy fresh and delicious vegan candy cane chocolate chip cookies for an extended period.

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