Candy Cane Cookies

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Candy Cane Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that brings festive cheer in every twist and bite. With their vibrant red and white swirls and a subtle peppermint touch, they not only look like little edible ornaments but also melt in your mouth with buttery goodness. Whether you’re baking for a cookie swap, a family gathering, or simply to enjoy with a cup of cocoa, these cookies instantly add that nostalgic magic to the season.

What makes these cookies a classic is how fun they are to shape and bake. They give you the joy of rolling dough like playdough and twisting it into perfect little candy canes. It’s an ideal recipe to get kids involved or to create a moment of calm in the chaos of the holidays. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple shaping, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are as joyful to make as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Cookies

You’ll love these cookies because they taste just as good as they look. Buttery, soft, and delicately flavored with peppermint, they strike that perfect balance between fun and delicious. They hold their shape beautifully while baking, which makes them excellent for holiday gift boxes or cookie trays. Plus, they freeze well, so you can make them ahead and always have a festive treat ready.

What Kind of Peppermint Flavoring Should I Use?

You can use either peppermint extract or peppermint flavoring oil, but extract is more accessible and easier to control. Be cautious with the amount; too much and your cookies might taste more like toothpaste than a treat. A little goes a long way in giving that cool, minty holiday vibe.

Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cookies

The beauty of Candy Cane Cookies lies in their simplicity, and each ingredient plays a role in giving them their soft texture and distinct flavor.

• Unsalted Butter
• Powdered Sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla Extract
• Peppermint Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Red Food Coloring

How To Make the Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Beat the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for the dough.

Step 2: Add Egg and Flavorings

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and tint the other half with red food coloring. Mix well until the color is even.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap each dough half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes shaping easier.

Step 6: Shape the Candy Canes

Roll a small piece of each color into ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together and shape into a candy cane.

Step 7: Bake

Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until just set but not browned.

How to Serve and Store Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are best served fresh with a mug of hot cocoa, mulled cider, or your favorite winter tea. They’re also perfect for holiday cookie platters or tucked into festive tins as edible gifts. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, enough to share or freeze for later. To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

Rich and creamy hot chocolate is a perfect companion to these minty cookies.

Peppermint Mocha

Double the minty joy with a warm mug of peppermint mocha.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Make a festive dessert sandwich by pairing two cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creamy Eggnog

The buttery cookie and eggnog combo is a holiday indulgence you won’t forget.

Spiced Tea

Balance the sweetness of the cookie with the warmth of cinnamon or chai tea.

Cranberry Punch

A tart cranberry punch contrasts beautifully with the sweet peppermint flavor.

White Chocolate Bark

Create a dessert board by pairing with white chocolate peppermint bark.

Cheese Plate

Surprise your guests with a sweet-savory combo alongside a soft cheese like brie.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll definitely want to check out some other sweet favorites:

• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies if you crave gooey and nostalgic.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for a cinnamon sugar explosion.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe if you’re after something zesty and creamy.
• Classic French Butter Cookies for buttery goodness in a bite.
• Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars for soft, colorful cookie bar bliss.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you shape them into canes or try stars and hearts? Did you add a sprinkle of sugar on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies bring out the playful side of holiday baking while still delivering on flavor. Their buttery texture and light peppermint touch make them a delightful seasonal staple. Whether you’re gifting them, serving them, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with one, these cookies turn a simple recipe into something truly magical.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?