Name: Deliciously Festive Candy Cane Cookies to Brighten Your Holidays
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Adds richness; margarine works as a substitute.); 1.5 cups Powdered Sugar (Provides sweetness; granulated sugar can be used.); 1 large Egg (Room temperature; use flax egg for vegan option.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances flavor; artificial vanilla can be substituted.); 0.5 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Imparts mint flavor; omit for non-peppermint variant.); 3.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Forms cookie structure; whole wheat flour offers denser texture.); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Balances sweetness; kosher salt can be used as a substitute.); 1 teaspoon Red Food Coloring (Gel preferred to reduce bleeding.); 1 cup Crushed Candy Canes (For sprinkling on top of cookies.); 1 cup Colored Sprinkles (For extra festive decoration.)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The sweet scent of holiday baking wafts through the air, instantly transporting me back to childhood warmth and laughter. My delightful Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends, combining a rich, buttery vanilla dough with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Not only are these festive cookies visually charming with their red and white twists, but they also offer a delightful pop of flavor that can make any holiday gathering feel extra special. Whipping up a batch is a breeze, making these cookies a fantastic go-to for those busy seasons. Plus, they make wonderful gifts, beautifully packaged in mason jars, spreading cheer to loved ones near and far. Curious to dive into this festive recipe? Let’s get started, and I promise you won’t want to miss out on the fun!

Candy Cane Cookies uippkp

Why Are Candy Cane Cookies So Special?

Nostalgic Experience: These delightful cookies are a throwback to childhood holiday memories, bringing warmth and joy to every bite.
Festive Visual Appeal: With their striking red and white spirals, they’re sure to be the star of your holiday cookie platter.
Simple to Make: Even novice bakers can easily whip up these treats, making them a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile Flavor: The refreshing peppermint flavor can be adjusted to suit your taste, or try a twist with our Homemade Samoas Cookies for something different!
Great for Gifting: Pack them in mason jars for a charming homemade gift that spreads cheer to friends and family.
Delicious Pairing: Serve them alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat any time of the day.

Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and contributes to a tender texture in the cookies; margarine works as a substitute.
Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a light texture; granulated sugar can be used but may alter the texture slightly.
Egg (large, room temperature) – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture; for a vegan option, use a flax egg.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor profiles; artificial vanilla can be substituted if needed.
Peppermint Extract – Imparts a refreshing mint flavor, perfect for these Candy Cane Cookies; omit for a non-peppermint variant.
All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the cookies; whole wheat flour can offer a denser texture.
Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; kosher salt can be used as a substitute.
Red Food Coloring (gel preferred) – Adds vibrant color to the dough; gel reduces bleeding compared to liquid food coloring.

Optional Garnish Ideas

Crushed Candy Canes – Sprinkle on top of melted chocolate-dipped cookies for a festive finish.
Colored Sprinkles – Add a playful touch for extra holiday cheer or festive decoration.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delightful Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prep Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and will make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and creamy, setting the perfect base for your Candy Cane Cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, add 1 large room-temperature egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix on medium speed until everything is well-blended and smooth, creating a delightful aroma of holiday flavors that will fill your kitchen.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually incorporate 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms — be careful not to overmix! The dough should be pliable and slightly sticky, making it easy to handle when shaping your cookies.

Step 5: Color the Dough
Once combined, divide your dough in half. In one half, add red gel food coloring, mixing well until you achieve a bright, festive hue. The other half should remain uncolored. This vibrant red will create stunning twists in your Candy Cane Cookies.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Now, it’s time to get creative! Roll 1 teaspoon of each color of dough into 4-inch ropes. Twist the red and white ropes together to form the candy cane shape, pinching the ends to seal and giving each cookie its distinctive look. Place them on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Bake
Slide your trays into the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the bottoms should turn lightly golden while the tops remain soft. As they bake, a delightful peppermint scent will fill your home with holiday cheer.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before gently transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, your Candy Cane Cookies are ready to be displayed on a platter or delicately packaged in jars for gifting this holiday season.

Candy Cane Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste and dietary preferences!

Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a plant-based treat.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a rich flavor, while keeping it dairy-free.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring your holiday spread is accessible for all.
Flavor Boost: Enhance your cookies with a hint of almond extract in place of half the peppermint for a unique twist.
Chocolatey Variation: Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a decadent twist. Imagine biting into that creamy blend of mint and chocolate—it’s simply irresistible!
Fun Shapes: Instead of traditional candy cane shapes, create festive stars or hearts for a playful holiday presentation.
Candied Citrus Zest: Add some grated orange or lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus contrast to the peppermint. This gives a bright, aromatic flavor that dances on your palate!
Nutty Add-In: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft cookie base. It’s a delightful surprise in every bite!

For more inspired baking, don’t forget to check out our Peanut Butter Cookies or try these indulgent Browned Butter Cookies for a sweet adventure!

Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies

Soft Dough: If your dough feels too crumbly, add 1-2 teaspoons of milk or a splash of egg yolk to achieve the right consistency.
Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring to prevent bleeding. If using liquid, lightly blot the colored dough for better results.
Chilling the Dough: Chill your dough for up to 3 days if you need to prepare ahead, making it easier to shape later.
Storing Cookies: Store baked Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Creative Gifting: Package cookies in mason jars with festive ribbons for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

What to Serve with Delightful Candy Cane Cookies

Indulge in the holiday spirit by creating a delightful spread that perfectly complements these festive treats.

Warm Hot Cocoa: This rich, chocolatey drink heightens the holiday flavors and creates a cozy atmosphere while enjoying cookies.
Classic Eggnog: The creamy and spiced flavors of eggnog pair wonderfully with the minty sweetness of the Candy Cane Cookies, enhancing their festive appeal. A sprinkle of nutmeg on top adds an extra layer of holiday charm.
Festive Fruit Platter: Bright, seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds and citrus slices offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies, cleansing the palate beautifully between bites.
Gingerbread Men: Introduce another iconic holiday cookie into the mix for a nostalgic experience. The spiciness of gingerbread complements the peppermint in the Candy Cane Cookies perfectly, creating a varied dessert spread.
Cheesecake Bites: These creamy, rich bites provide a smooth texture that balances out the crunchy bottom of the Candy Cane Cookies. Offering a variety of flavors can turn your snack time into a delightful tasting experience.
Peppermint Milkshake: This festive drink takes the peppermint theme to the next level, creating a sweet and creamy shake that pairs deliciously with your cookies. It’s a fun twist that kids and adults alike will love!
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, aromatic cider with hints of cinnamon and cloves contrasts uniquely with the fresh mint flavor of the cookies, making for a comforting pairing on chilly winter evenings.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. For longer storage, the dough can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before using. To keep the festive flavors intact, make sure to chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading. When you’re ready to bake, shape your cookies and pop them in the oven as directed; they’ll still be just as delicious and festive, ensuring minimal effort for maximum holiday cheer!

How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies

Airtight Container: Store baked Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to keep them soft and fresh.

Refrigerate Unbaked Dough: If you plan to make the cookies later, you can refrigerate the unbaked dough for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Freezing Baked Cookies: For longer storage, freeze baked Candy Cane Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies at room temperature. To refresh them, warm in the microwave for a few seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Candy Cane Cookies wyt2eu

Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! When picking your ingredients, especially fresh items like eggs, ensure they are at room temperature, which helps achieve a better texture in your cookies. For butter, it’s important to use unsalted and let it soften at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar. Avoid any butter that has a discolored appearance or an off smell.

How should I store baked Candy Cane Cookies?
Very easy! Store your baked Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This way, they will maintain their delightful softness and remain fresh. If they last that long, which they often don’t, I recommend keeping a layer of parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze my Candy Cane Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your baked Candy Cane Cookies, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, carefully transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months! When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the oven for a few minutes.

What can I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
No worries! If your dough feels too crumbly, just add a teaspoon or two of milk or a splash of egg yolk. Mix it in until the dough reaches a soft and pliable consistency. This should bring your ingredients together nicely, allowing you to form the cookies without hassle.

Are Candy Cane Cookies safe for pets or those with allergies?
Make sure to keep those furry friends at bay! Regular Candy Cane Cookies contain ingredients like butter, sugar, and eggs, which aren’t recommended for pets. Additionally, for anyone with food allergies, be cautious with common allergens like eggs and wheat present in the recipe. Always check for alternative ingredients to cater to specific dietary needs.

How long can I keep the unbaked Candy Cane Cookie dough in the fridge?
Great question! You can refrigerate unbaked Candy Cane Cookie dough for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, pull it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier handling.