Candy Cane Cookies

By:

Sophie

November 6, 2025

Delicious Candy Cane Cookies decorated with red and white stripes

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Cozy Comfort of Candy Cane Cookies

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As the air turns crisp and the holiday lights twinkle brightly, there’s a certain magic that fills the kitchen with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, especially when those cookies are Candy Cane Cookies. These delightful, festive treats not only look charming with their red-and-white stripes but also offer a refreshing, minty flavor that can transport you back to childhood memories of the holiday season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, leaving behind the invigorating taste of peppermint and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements that winter wonderland outside.

Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a festive snack; they become a symbol of joy, family togetherness, and the sweet anticipation of the holidays. Baking and enjoying these cookies can quickly turn any ordinary day into a celebration, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a little self-care with your loved ones. Their enchanting appearance and delightful flavors create a sense of comfort and warmth, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You might wonder what makes this Candy Cane Cookies recipe so special. Here are a few reasons why it stands out—it’s more than just a cookie; it’s an experience:

Festively Fun: Shaping and twisting these cookies into candy cane designs is a joyful activity, perfect for baking with kids or loved ones.
Balanced Flavors: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a delightful harmony that’s refreshing without being overpowering.
Versatile Dough: This dough can be easily modified, allowing you to experiment with colors and shapes, making it more than just a seasonal treat.
Sweet Nostalgia: Each bite is reminiscent of childhood holiday traditions, bringing back fond memories of festivities and family gatherings.
Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples, you can whip up these cookies quickly, making it a stress-free baking project.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Making Candy Cane Cookies is a delightful process that combines simple steps with creative fun. Let’s walk through it together so you can get started on this sweet holiday tradition.

Ingredients

To create these whimsical cookie delights, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring (optional)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Butter is crucial in this recipe; it provides a rich flavor and tender texture, while granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread when baking. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring everything comes together beautifully. Vanilla and peppermint extracts bring that signature flavor, giving the cookies their comforting taste. The combination of flour, baking powder, and salt forms the base of the dough, giving it structure. If you want a festive touch, you can add red food coloring to half of the dough. Lastly, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch that looks like freshly fallen snow.

If you’re looking for substitutes, you can replace unsalted butter with margarine or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan twist. For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind that this might change the texture slightly.

Directions

Let’s bring these Candy Cane Cookies to life!

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure an even bake.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You’ll notice the mixture turns a pale color, and it should feel soft and airy.
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is well combined. The merging of these ingredients is where it starts to smell amazing!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet mixture. You might find it thickens up a bit—that’s perfectly normal, don’t worry! Just keep mixing until it all comes together.
Once the dough is formed, divide it in half; leave one half plain and use red food coloring to tint the other half. Feel free to adjust the amount of coloring to achieve your desired brightness.
Now here’s where the fun begins! Roll a small piece of each colored dough into a rope—about 6 inches long—and twist them together. Shape the twisted dough into a candy cane. It’s okay if they’re not perfect; each cookie can have its unique charm!
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they have a little space between them to allow for spreading. Bake them for about 8-10 minutes or until just set; you’ll notice the edges turning golden, but you want to avoid over-baking for that soft texture.
Finally, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar to add a sweet touch.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are a visual treat, with their vibrant colors and charming shape. They’re perfect for a variety of occasions—whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace or presenting them as a delightful addition to your holiday cookie exchange.

Consider serving these cookies on a festive platter, surrounded by seasonal greens or ornaments for a cheerful display. They pair wonderfully with creamy hot chocolate or chilled milk, and their texture complements rich desserts like cheesecake or chocolate cake beautifully. The vibrant red and white colors also make them a stunning centerpiece for holiday brunches or festive gatherings, and their peppermint flavor is sure to linger in your guests’ memories.

How to Store Candy Cane Cookies

To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week. If you want to prolong their life, consider freezing them. Just place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer, making them a convenient treat to have on hand.

When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore their chewy texture. Alternatively, a quick microwave warm-up works too—just be cautious not to heat them too long, so they don’t become tough.

Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Here are some friendly tips to help you achieve the best possible Candy Cane Cookies:

Creaming Is Key: Ensure your butter is soft enough for easy creaming with the sugar. If it’s too hard, it won’t incorporate air, resulting in denser cookies.
Chill the Dough: If you’re having trouble shaping the dough, consider chilling it for about 30 minutes. This helps firm it up, making it easier to handle.
Don’t Overbake: Remember, these cookies will continue to set a bit after being removed from the oven. The goal is to enjoy a soft, chewy texture, so keep an eye on the baking time.
Experiment with Shapes: While candy canes are classic, feel free to get creative with other holiday shapes. You can make them into festive stars or use cookie cutters for a different look.
Taste and Adjust: If you’re unsure about the mint intensity, give the dough a quick taste before baking. You can always add a touch more peppermint extract if you’d like a stronger flavor.

Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some creative variations to try with your Candy Cane Cookies:

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolaty twist. The result is a beautiful contrast between the chocolate and peppermint flavors.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg for a dairy-free version that’s still delightful.
Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
Crushed Candy Cane Topping: Instead of powdered sugar, top each cookie with crushed candy canes after baking for added festive flair and a satisfying crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This resting period helps the flavors develop better, and it makes it easier to handle the dough when you’re ready to bake.

2. How can I get the red color to pop in the dough?
If you want a brighter red color in your candy cane cookies, be sure to use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel colors are more concentrated and provide a vibrant result without altering the dough’s consistency too much.

3. What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to roll out and shape, you can add a couple of tablespoons of flour gradually until you reach a manageable consistency. Just be cautious not to add too much, as this can make your cookies dense.

4. Is it okay to use peppermint extract instead of candy cane pieces?
Definitely! In this recipe, peppermint extract provides that signature flavor without needing any extra candy. However, if you prefer crunchy bits, feel free to mix in crushed candy canes into the dough before baking for a sweet surprise.

Wrapping Up

Candy Cane Cookies are a heartwarming blend of nostalgia and festive cheer, making them a lovely addition to any holiday celebration. The process of creating these whimsical treats is just as delightful as enjoying them with your family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with those who appreciate the sweet magic of the season. If you love this recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too. Happy baking!