If you’re on the hunt for a festive treat that perfectly captures the holiday spirit, this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. With that iconic red and white twist and a delightful peppermint aroma, these cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re deliciously buttery, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and bursting with holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or looking to impress guests with a whimsical holiday dessert, these candy cane-shaped cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to great cookies lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together to create that ideal balance of texture and flavor. Each ingredient here plays a crucial role in making these Candy Cane Cookies Recipe come alive—whether it’s the rich butter for tenderness or the peppermint extract for that unmistakable festive punch.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Softened butter adds creaminess and helps create a tender, flaky bite.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and contributes to a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- Peppermint extract (½ tsp): The star of the show, giving these cookies that classic minty holiday flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): Provides structure; essential for forming that perfect dough.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Red food coloring: Brings the signature candy cane stripe to life.
- Optional crushed candy canes: A crunchy, colorful garnish that adds extra festive flair.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without any mess.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, creamy, and fluffy. This creaming process is key to creating that tender texture and gives the cookies a lovely lift during baking.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The peppermint extract infuses the dough with its signature holiday flavor that makes this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe truly magical.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here because you want to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Create the Candy Cane Colors
Divide the dough in half. Tint one half with red food coloring until you achieve a bright, festive shade. This contrast is what gives your cookies that classic candy cane look everyone loves.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Pinch off a teaspoon-sized piece from each dough color. Roll each piece into a 4-inch rope. Twist one red rope and one plain rope together gently, then curve the top to shape a candy cane. This step is where the magic happens as your treats start to look just like the real thing.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Place your shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them just set but not browned so the texture stays soft. Let them cool on the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top while they’re still warm for an extra bit of crunch and festive color.
How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These candy cane cookies are already show-stoppers, but adding a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a light dusting of powdered sugar can elevate their look and add dimension to each bite. You could even drizzle some white chocolate for a fancy twist that tastes divine.
Side Dishes
Pair your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe with a steaming cup of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a glass of cold milk. The creamy drinks complement the minty sweetness and offer a comforting contrast that makes each bite feel like a hug in cookie form.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the cookies in a festive jar as a thoughtful holiday gift or stack them into a candy cane-shaped tower for a center-of-the-table dessert display. Wrapping a few in colorful cellophane tied with a ribbon instantly turns them into perfect homemade favors to share the holiday spirit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover candy cane cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week. This makes it easy to bake in advance and enjoy holiday treats throughout the season without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep the joy around longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers and store for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or day-old cookies back to that freshly baked goodness, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3-5 minutes to warm them through without drying. This little trick helps restore their soft, tender texture and reawakens the peppermint aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other food coloring colors for these cookies?
Absolutely! While red is traditional for candy canes, you can get creative with green or any other festive shade to customize your cookies and still keep the spirit alive.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with a few drops of peppermint oil or even crushed peppermint candies in the dough for flavor. Just use sparingly to avoid overpowering the cookie’s balance.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well in this recipe. Just be sure the blend you choose has xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture.
Why do the cookies need to be baked until just set?
Baking until just set ensures that the cookies stay soft and tender rather than becoming hard or crunchy. It’s the key to that melt-in-your-mouth experience that makes this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe so special.
Can I add crushed candy canes inside the dough?
While this recipe uses them as a garnish, gently folding crushed candy canes into the dough can add delightful crunch and festive flavor throughout, but be careful not to add too much or they might affect the dough’s texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing these Candy Cane Cookies Recipe during the holidays. Their cheerful shape, minty sweetness, and tender crumb come together to create a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t wait for you to try baking them yourself—you’re going to love every festive bite and the smiles they bring to your table.
