Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you love the festive charm of peppermint and the nostalgic fun of holiday baking, you are going to adore these Candy Cane Cookies. They bring together the perfect balance of sweet, buttery dough with a crisp peppermint vibe, swirled in striking red and white twists that look almost too good to eat. These cookies capture the spirit of the season in every bite, making them a delightful treat to share with family, friends, or even savor quietly with a warm cup of cocoa.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s tender, flavorful, and festive. Each component plays a key role, from the smooth butter providing richness to the peppermint extract adding that unmistakable holiday pop.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a creamy texture and buttery flavor without extra salt.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the cookies tender.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and gives structure for perfect cookies.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, balancing the peppermint’s brightness.
• ½ tsp peppermint extract: Gives that iconic, refreshing peppermint flavor essential to Candy Cane Cookies.
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough that creates sturdy yet soft cookies.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors just right.
• Red food coloring (gel preferred): Creates the festive red hue without watering down the dough.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s hot and ready to bring your cookies to life. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture in the finished cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Mix in the egg along with the vanilla and peppermint extracts until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The peppermint extract is your secret weapon here — just enough to brighten the flavor without overpowering the buttery base.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour and salt slowly, blending gently until a soft but not sticky dough forms. Take care not to overmix; you want a tender crumb that holds together just right.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough evenly into two portions. Add red food coloring to one half, kneading it gently until you reach that perfect holiday red shade. The other half stays classic white, like fresh snow, ready to contrast beautifully.

Step 6: Shape into Candy Canes

Take about one teaspoon of each colored dough and roll each into a 4-inch rope. Twist the red and white ropes together to create the iconic striped pattern, then curve the top of the twist to form your candy cane shape. This is where the festive magic really happens!

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Place your shaped candy cane cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottoms turn just a light golden brown. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and lets them set perfectly.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies adds a little extra crunch and sparkle, perfect for holiday parties or gifting. You can also drizzle white chocolate over the top to elevate the presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

Pair your Candy Cane Cookies with a warm beverage like hot chocolate or a creamy peppermint mocha for an irresistible combination. They also work beautifully alongside a cheese platter to balance sweet and savory flavors during gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, arrange Candy Cane Cookies in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon as a homemade gift. Or place them in a decorative tin to share at holiday potlucks. Displaying them alongside a holiday centerpiece also instantly brings warmth and holiday spirit to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to a week, perfect for nibbling anytime the holiday cravings hit.

Freezing

If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully and last up to three months.

Reheating

To refresh frozen Candy Cane Cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature and warm gently in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 minutes. This brings back their crisp edges and tender centers perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract only if I don’t have peppermint extract?

Yes, you can use only vanilla extract, but you will miss that classic peppermint flavor. To keep the holiday spirit, try substituting with a small amount of mint extract if you have it.

What if my dough is sticky after adding flour?

Add flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. The dough should be pliable for rolling into shapes without sticking to your hands.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Absolutely! They will taste just as wonderful, though the signature candy cane look comes from the red and white contrast. You could also experiment with other colors for different holidays.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough stays cool before baking and handle it minimally when shaping. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes can help maintain shape during baking.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can keep the texture similar. Just check your blend for xanthan gum already included for structure.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Cookies are truly a joyful way to celebrate the season with a little baking fun and a lot of delicious flavor. Their charming look and peppermint punch make them an instant favorite that brings smiles wherever they go. I encourage you to try this recipe — you might just find yourself making these sweet treats a holiday tradition for years to come!

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