Introduction

Candy Cane Cookies are the quintessential holiday treat that bring a festive touch to any celebration. These cookies combine the buttery sweetness of sugar cookies with the irresistible crunch of crushed candy canes, offering a delightful peppermint flavor in every bite. The vibrant red and white stripes make them as fun to look at as they are to eat, adding a colorful touch to your holiday spread.

I first made these Candy Cane Cookies with my family a few years ago, and they’ve since become a beloved tradition. The process of twisting the dough into candy cane shapes is not only fun but also a wonderful way to get everyone involved. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, a Christmas party, or just for an afternoon treat with loved ones, these cookies will fill your home with the warmth and joy of the season.

What makes these cookies so special is their balance of flavors—rich, buttery dough with a refreshing minty kick from the candy canes. The crisp, tender texture paired with the candy’s crunch makes each bite an experience. They’re perfect for holiday gifting too, as the festive design and unique flavor make them stand out in a sea of traditional cookies. These Candy Cane Cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite in your household, spreading cheer wherever they go!

Perfect for:

Christmas cookie exchanges
Holiday parties
Family baking traditions
Gifts for friends and loved ones
Christmas Eve treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Candy Cane Cookies will quickly become your favorite holiday treat:

Festive and Fun: The iconic candy cane shape, decorated with vibrant red stripes, makes these cookies visually stunning and perfect for the holidays.
Refreshing Peppermint Flavor: The crushed candy canes provide a delightful burst of peppermint, complementing the sweet, buttery dough in every bite.
Crisp and Buttery Texture: These cookies have a satisfying crispness on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, making them a true treat for your tastebuds.
Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and basic baking skills.
Customizable: You can adjust the amount of crushed candy canes or even dip the cookies in melted chocolate for a delicious variation.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Calories per serving: Approximately 130-150 calories per cookie
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 18g, Fat: 7g, Protein: 1g, Fiber: 0g

Ingredients

To make these delightful Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
½ cup crushed candy canes (about 6-8 candy canes)
Red food coloring (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Unsalted Butter: Butter gives these cookies a rich, decadent flavor and smooth texture. Always use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the dough.
Peppermint Extract: This key ingredient gives the cookies their signature minty flavor, elevating the taste of the candy cane pieces.
Crushed Candy Canes: The crushed candy canes not only add minty sweetness but also create a festive crunch and pop of color on the cookies.
Food Coloring: If you want to achieve the classic red and white candy cane stripes, red food coloring is a great addition to create those beautiful swirls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own Candy Cane Cookies:

Prepare the Dough:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Shape the Cookies:

Divide the Dough: Divide the dough in half. To make the red-and-white striped effect, leave one half of the dough plain and add red food coloring to the other half. Knead the food coloring into the dough until fully combined.
Roll the Dough: Roll the white dough into 1-inch logs. Repeat the same process with the red dough, rolling it into 1-inch logs as well.
Form the Candy Cane Shape: Place a red and a white dough log side by side, then gently roll them together to form a longer rope. Twist the two ropes together to create a candy cane shape, gently curving the ends. Repeat with the remaining dough.
Crush the Candy Canes: Using a rolling pin or a mallet, crush the candy canes into small pieces (don’t crush them too fine). Pour the crushed candy onto a plate or shallow dish.
Coat the Cookies: Carefully press the ends of each candy cane cookie into the crushed candy canes to coat them, then place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake the Cookies:

Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Candy Cane Cookies can be served in a variety of ways:

With a Hot Beverage: Serve them alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or eggnog for the perfect holiday treat.
As a Gift: Package the cookies in a festive tin or box and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends, family, or coworkers.
At a Cookie Exchange: These cookies are a fun and festive addition to any holiday cookie exchange, sure to impress with their candy cane design.
On a Holiday Dessert Tray: Arrange the cookies on a platter with other holiday treats like gingerbread or sugar cookies for a beautiful Christmas dessert spread.
With Ice Cream: Pair them with a scoop of peppermint ice cream for a cool and creamy holiday dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some helpful tips for making the best Candy Cane Cookies:

Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle while shaping the cookies, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm it up.
Use Fresh Candy Canes: Ensure the candy canes you crush are fresh, as older ones may be too hard to crush or lose their flavor.
Customize the Color: You can use other colors of food coloring to create striped cookies for different holidays or occasions.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should just be lightly golden around the edges.
For Extra Peppermint: If you want more peppermint flavor, sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top of the cookies after baking.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Candy Cane Cookies:

Chocolate-Dipped Candy Cane Cookies: Dip half of the baked cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes for an indulgent touch.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Instead of using red food coloring, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a snowy effect.
Mini Candy Cane Cookies: Make smaller versions of the cookies for a cute, bite-sized treat that’s perfect for snacking or gifting.
Almond Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the peppermint extract for a unique twist.
Dark Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Use dark chocolate in place of milk chocolate for a richer flavor that pairs perfectly with the mint.
Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a sweet-and-salty flavor combination.
Candy Cane Thumbprint Cookies: Instead of twisting the dough, roll it into balls, press an indentation in the center, and fill with a little peppermint jam or melted chocolate.
Sugar-Coated Candy Cane Cookies: Roll the dough logs in colored sugar before baking for a festive sparkle.
Nutty Candy Cane Cookies: Add finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pistachios, to the dough for an added texture and flavor contrast.
Lemon Zest Candy Cane Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist to complement the peppermint flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into logs, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items that will make making your Candy Cane Cookies easier:

Electric Mixer: A mixer helps to quickly and evenly cream the butter and sugar, making the dough smooth and fluffy.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough into logs and shape the cookies.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even baking.
Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cool your cookies evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Cookie Scoop: A scoop helps to evenly divide dough, ensuring consistent-sized cookies.
Shallow Dish for Crushed Candy Canes: This helps you easily coat the cookies in crushed candy canes without making a mess.

FAQ Section

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and freeze it. You can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
How do I crush the candy canes?
Place the candy canes in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
Can I use peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes?
While peppermint extract gives a minty flavor, crushed candy canes provide the right texture and visual appeal for these cookies. Both are used together for the best result.
Can I make these cookies without food coloring?
Yes! The cookies will still be delicious and festive without the red food coloring, just shaped like regular sugar cookies.
Can I dip these cookies in chocolate?
Absolutely! Dipping them in chocolate makes them even more decadent. Try using dark or white chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect holiday treat, combining the buttery crispness of sugar cookies with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. These festive cookies are perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or as a homemade gift that’s sure to impress. The red and white stripes, along with a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes, create a treat that will brighten any holiday celebration.

Easy to make and even more fun to decorate, these cookies bring a festive touch to your kitchen. Whether you’re baking with family or preparing for a holiday gathering, Candy Cane Cookies will quickly become a seasonal favorite. The combination of simple ingredients and cheerful presentation makes them a must-bake for the holidays.

I’d love to see how your Candy Cane Cookies turn out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Feel free to leave a comment with any fun variations you tried or how you decorated your cookies. Happy baking!