Candy Cane Cookies are one of those classic holiday treats that instantly bring a festive feel to your kitchen. With their bright red and white swirls and delicate peppermint flavor, they look just as cheerful as they taste. Set them on a cookie platter, and they immediately become the centerpiece.
What makes these cookies truly special is the buttery, tender texture paired with a light peppermint sweetness that is never overpowering. They are perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in with a warm mug of cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
These Candy Cane Cookies are soft with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. The dough is easy to work with, making it a fun baking project for families. Twisting the red and white ropes together creates that iconic candy cane shape that feels nostalgic and homemade in the best way.
They store beautifully, which means you can bake them ahead of time during the busy holiday season. The peppermint aroma while they bake is reason enough to make them again and again.
What Kind of Peppermint Flavor Should I Use in Candy Cane Cookies?
For the best flavor, pure peppermint extract works beautifully in this recipe. It gives that cool, refreshing taste without being too strong. Be careful not to confuse peppermint extract with mint extract, as mint can have a slightly different flavor profile.
If you want a little extra texture and sparkle, crushed candy canes sprinkled on top before baking can add a festive crunch.
Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cookies
The ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies are simple pantry staples that come together to create a buttery and festive holiday treat. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the right texture and flavor.
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg
- Peppermint extract
- Vanilla extract
- All purpose flour
- Salt
- Red food coloring
How To Make the Candy Cane Cookies
Making Candy Cane Cookies is easier than you might think. The key is dividing the dough and shaping it carefully to get that classic swirl.
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates the base for a soft and tender cookie.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
Mix in the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Blend until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other half, mixing until evenly colored.
Step 5: Shape the Candy Canes
Roll small portions of each dough color into thin ropes of equal length. Place one red rope next to one plain rope and gently twist them together. Curve the top slightly to form a candy cane shape. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serving and Storing Candy Cane Cookies
This Candy Cane Cookies recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size you shape them. They are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or packaging as edible gifts.
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you would like to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months. Just let them cool completely before freezing to maintain their texture.
What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies pair beautifully with warm and cozy drinks as well as other holiday treats. If you are building a festive dessert table, these combinations work wonderfully.
Hot Chocolate
A rich and creamy hot chocolate complements the cool peppermint flavor perfectly.
Coffee or Peppermint Mocha
The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Serve the cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Holiday Sugar Cookies
Add classic sugar cookies to your platter for a beautiful mix of shapes and flavors.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Traditional chocolate chip cookies bring a familiar and comforting option to your holiday spread.
Fresh Fruit Platter
Fresh strawberries and grapes can lighten up a dessert tray filled with sweets.
Want More Dessert Ideas?
If you love baking festive treats like these Candy Cane Cookies, you might also enjoy some of these reader favorites:
Try the soft and chewy <a href=”https://miaplates.com/chocolate-chip-cookies/”>Chocolate Chip Cookies</a> for a timeless classic that everyone loves.
For something extra indulgent, the <a href=”https://miaplates.com/mini-cinnamon-roll-cheesecakes/”>Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes</a> combine creamy cheesecake with warm cinnamon flavor.
The sweet and nutty <a href=”https://miaplates.com/sweet-alabama-pecan-bread/”>Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread</a> makes a wonderful addition to any holiday brunch.
If you enjoy a citrus touch, the bright and tender <a href=”https://miaplates.com/delicious-lemon-cake-to-die-for/”>Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For</a> offers a refreshing contrast to peppermint desserts.
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 add crushed candy canes on top? Did you make them extra pepperminty?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.
Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Candy Cane Cookies are festive Christmas cookies made with buttery sugar cookie dough and peppermint extract, twisted into classic red and white candy cane shapes. These homemade peppermint cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, and Christmas dessert platters.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt and set aside.
3. In a large bowl beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg peppermint extract and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Leave one portion plain and mix red food coloring into the other portion until evenly tinted.
7. Take small pieces of each dough and roll into thin ropes about 5 inches long.
8. Place one plain rope and one red rope side by side and gently twist them together. Curve the top slightly to form a candy cane shape.
9. Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
11. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a stronger peppermint flavor you can add an extra 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract but avoid adding too much as it can overpower the cookies.
If the dough becomes too soft while shaping chill it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to make rolling easier.
For a decorative finish sprinkle crushed candy canes over the cookies immediately after baking while they are still warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
