Red Hot Candy Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, offering a unique twist on traditional cookies. These delightful treats feature a buttery sugar cookie base infused with crushed cinnamon red hot candies, topped with a creamy red buttercream frosting. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering or simply indulge in a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to please anyone who tries them. The combination of flavors creates a memorable taste that leaves a lasting impression!
Why You’ll Love This Red Hot Candy Cookies
There are plenty of reasons to love these cookies! First, they bring a delightful mix of sweetness and spiciness, making them a unique treat. Second, they are visually appealing with their vibrant colors, perfect for festive occasions. Third, the spicy candy cookies trend adds an exciting twist to your dessert table. Fourth, they are easy to make, which makes them perfect for novice bakers. Fifth, they can be customized with different colors of frosting or additional toppings for a personal touch. Lastly, the Red Hot Cookie Treats are great for sharing, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this fiery delight!
Ingredients for Red Hot Candy Cookies
Gather these items:
- 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup red hot candies, broken into pieces
- ¼ cup (56.75 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- A few drops of red food coloring
How to Make Red Hot Candy Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Place the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract or paste into the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Step 3: Slowly add the salt and all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing gently. Stop when some flour remnants are still visible.
- Step 4: Break the red hot candies into small pieces. Fold them into the dough carefully until evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and re-roll remaining dough as needed.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chill the cut-out dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Step 7: Bake the chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 8: In a mixing bowl, blend the butter, whipping cream or milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth.
- Step 9: Spread the buttercream frosting over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle extra red hot candies on top.
- Step 10: Let the frosting set before serving, preferably allowing the cookies to rest overnight.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Hot Candy Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings.
- They offer a unique burst of cinnamon flavor that’s sure to impress.
- Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For an added kick, try mixing in some chopped nuts or chocolate pieces!
Best Ways to Serve Red Hot Candy Cookies
Here are some great ideas for serving:
- Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Serve them alongside fiery sweet treats recipe for a dessert spread.
- Offer them at parties as a unique conversation starter.
How to Store and Reheat Red Hot Candy Cookies
To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week. If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Hot Candy Cookies
What are Red Hot Candy Cookies?
Red Hot Candy Cookies are a delightful combination of a soft, buttery sugar cookie base infused with cinnamon-flavored red hot candies, topped with a creamy frosting. They create a unique flavor profile of sweet and spicy.
Why are Red Hot Cookies popular?
These cookies are popular because they offer a fun twist on traditional cookies, combining sweetness with a spicy kick. Their vibrant color and flavor make them a favorite at gatherings and holidays.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Red Hot Candy Cookies?
To avoid mistakes, ensure that your butter is at room temperature for proper mixing, and chill the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading. Follow the recipe closely for the best results.
Variations of Red Hot Candy Cookies You Can Try
Here are some fun variations:
- Add chocolate chips for a sweet and spicy cookie combination.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor.
- Make a gluten-free version using almond flour.
For more delicious recipes, check out Nutella Snowball Cookies or Cranberry Bliss Cupcakes for festive treats!
Print
Red Hot Candy Cookies: 7 Sweet and Spicy Treats
- Total Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully spicy and sweet Red Hot Cookies combine a buttery sugar cookie base dotted with crushed cinnamon red hot candies and topped with a creamy, subtly tinted red buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups (350 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup red hot candies, broken into pieces
- ¼ cup (56.75 g) butter
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
- A few drops of red food coloring
Instructions
- Place the butter and sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract or paste into the butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Slowly add the salt and all-purpose flour to the mixture, mixing gently. Stop when some flour remnants are still visible.
- Break the red hot candies into small pieces. Fold them into the dough carefully until evenly distributed.
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters and re-roll remaining dough as needed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Chill the cut-out dough in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake the chilled cookies for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the butter, whipping cream or milk, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth.
- Spread the buttercream frosting over the cooled cookies. Optionally, sprinkle extra red hot candies on top.
- Let the frosting set before serving, preferably allowing the cookies to rest overnight.
Notes
- Perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Offers a unique burst of cinnamon flavor.
- Can be stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
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