Name: Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies You'll Love to Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Butter (softened); 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar; 2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 cup Cornstarch; 1 cup Candy Canes (crushed)

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In a busy season filled with hustle and bustle, there’s nothing quite as comforting as pulling a batch of fresh cookies out of the oven. These Easy Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are the perfect festive treat, combining buttery goodness with a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes. What’s more, they’re incredibly simple to whip up, making them an effortless addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Not only do these cookies look stunning on a cookie platter, but they also melt delicately in your mouth, leaving you and your guests craving more. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a sweet gift, these cookies are sure to impress. Are you ready to bring some holiday cheer into your kitchen?

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Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Each bite of these Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies is a luxurious experience, combining lightness with a buttery crumb.

Effortless Baking: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find these cookies to be a breeze to whip up, even during the busiest of holidays.

Festively Flavorful: The vibrant crunch of candy canes adds a pop of holiday cheer and freshness, making these cookies a festive delight.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up flavors with different types of candy canes or even flavored extracts, adding a personal touch to every batch.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a hit, just like my popular Peanut Butter Cookies or the delicious Homemade Samoas Cookies.

Make your holiday season even sweeter with these delightful treats!

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies!

For the Dough

Butter – Use real butter for the richest flavor and best texture in your cookies.
Powdered Sugar – This adds sweetness and creates the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Granulated sugar is an option but will alter the texture.
All-Purpose Flour – Essential for forming the cookie base and providing structure to these easy cookies.
Cornstarch – This key ingredient lightens the cookie’s texture for that heavenly melt-in-your-mouth feel.

For the Candy Cane Crunch

Candy Canes – Crush these festive treats to add delightful flavor and a pop of color; peppermint candies can be used as a substitute if you prefer.

Now you’re all set to dive into the joyous baking experience these Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies provide!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect light golden edge. While your oven heats up, take a moment to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. You’re aiming for a nice pale color, indicating that the sugar has properly blended with the butter for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch until well combined. Gradually add this combination into your creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated and fluffy—this ensures that your cookies will be tender. Take care not to over-mix, as you want to maintain that airy quality in the dough.

Step 4: Fold in the Candy Canes
Now it’s time to add the festive touch! Gently fold in the crushed candy canes with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You’ll want to see those cheerful specks of red and green popping through, adding both flavor and visual appeal to your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a rounded teaspoon, drop dollops of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows room for spreading as they bake, ensuring they don’t merge into one another. The dough should hold its shape yet appear slightly rounded on top.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the edges just begin to turn golden brown while the centers remain soft. This slight contrast in color is key to achieving that perfect shortbread cookie texture.

Step 7: Cool and Store
Once your cookies are baked to perfection, allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This helps them set up before transferring them to a cooling rack. After they have cooled completely, store your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.

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What to Serve with Easy Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing warmth, laughter, and mouthwatering treats that perfectly complement the festive spirit.

Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage, topped with whipped cream, pairs wonderfully with the minty notes of the cookies, creating a cozy experience.
Peppermint Bark: A chocolatey delight with a festive crunch, it echoes the candy cane flavors, adding another layer of holiday cheer to your spread.
Festive Fruit Salad: The bright and refreshing flavors of seasonal fruits beautifully balance the sweet richness of the cookies, creating a colorful and nutritious option.
Eggnog: This creamy, spiced drink brings a classic holiday flavor that enhances the buttery warmth of the cookies, making every bite feel even more special.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of this creamy treat with a drizzle of chocolate sauce alongside the cookies creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
Holiday Spiced Tea: The warming aroma and spices in this tea complement the minty cookies perfectly, making for a soothing pairing that feels just right during the holidays.

Elevate your baking experience by enjoying these fantastic pairings that make your Easy Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies even more memorable!

Make Ahead Options

These Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to get ahead during the busy holiday season. You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring that it stays fresh and flavorful. To do this, simply mix and shape the dough into rounded teaspoonfuls, then chill them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, just preheat your oven and place the chilled dough directly into the oven, adding a minute or two to the baking time. This method allows you to enjoy the delightful taste of freshly baked cookies with minimal effort, making your holiday baking hassle-free and enjoyable!

Expert Tips for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Softened Butter: Use softened butter, not melted; achieving the right consistency prevents over-spreading and maintains the cookies’ delightful shape.
Dry Ingredient Sifting: Sift together flour and cornstarch to eliminate lumps, ensuring a smoother dough and a tender final product.
Crushed Candy Consistency: Crush candy canes into small pieces, but avoid powder; larger bits provide a satisfying crunch without overwhelming the cookie texture.
Oven Monitoring: Every oven behaves differently, so check your cookies a minute or two early to prevent overbaking and to achieve that perfect golden edge.
Storage Tip: Store cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread for extra moisture; this keeps them soft and fresh longer.

How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their soft texture and delightful flavor.

Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough in a tightly wrapped form for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, pop cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, restoring that fresh-baked taste for your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with these delightful twists on the classic cookie recipe!

Peppermint Candy Swaps: Use crushed peppermint candies instead of candy canes for a more intense minty flavor. This can intensify that holiday cheer in each bite!
Extract Enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the dough for a flavor boost. The warm notes will perfectly complement the coolness of the mint.
Glaze It: Drizzle a simple icing over the cookies made from powdered sugar and milk for added sweetness and a beautiful finish. It creates a lovely glossy contrast with the candy bits.
Chocolate Dipping: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate (dark or white), then sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the chocolate sets. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a show-stopper.
Nutty Texture: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or almonds into the dough for added texture and richness. They will create a wonderful crunch along with the candy sprinkled throughout.
Festive Shapes: Instead of rounding them, use cookie cutters to create festive shapes—like stars or trees—that are perfect for holiday themes!
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough for a warm spice note that unexpectedly complements the cool mint, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of zing.
Chewy Option: Consider adding a bit of molasses or brown sugar to the mix for a chewier texture if you love a contrast between soft and crunchy cookies.

With the versatility of these variations, your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies can become the envy of every holiday gathering! If you’re excited about holiday baking, these cookies would pair beautifully with my creamy Browned Butter Cookies, making your festive treats even more memorable. Happy baking!

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Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best candy canes for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting candy canes, look for ones that are vibrant in color and without any dark spots or signs of damage. The fresher the candy canes, the more flavorful and crunchier they’ll be in your cookies. If you prefer a more intense peppermint flavor, consider using peppermint candies instead.

How should I store my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?
For best results, keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help them maintain their delightful softness and flavor. If you’d like to store them longer, you can refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to one week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use?
Definitely! To freeze your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply drop the frozen dough onto baking sheets and bake, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time for perfectly baked cookies.

What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Very! If you notice that your cookies are spreading more than expected, it could be due to melted butter or over-creaming the mixture. To prevent this, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, not melted, and cream the butter and sugar just until light and fluffy. Also, avoid over-mixing after adding the flour to keep your cookies tender.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Of course! This recipe uses butter, which contains dairy, so for those with dairy allergies, consider using a vegan butter alternative. Additionally, check the package of candy canes for any specific allergens. If you’re serving these cookies to guests, it might be a good idea to mention any potential allergens in your ingredients.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture that gluten provides in cookies. You might want to experiment with ratios slightly, as different blends can absorb liquids differently.