Name: Deliciously Festive Candy Cane Cookies You’ll Love to Share
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup Powdered sugar (adds sweetness); 1 large Large egg (room temperature); 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (adds flavor); 1 teaspoon Peppermint extract (key festive flavor); 2.5 cups All-purpose flour (provides structure); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor); 1 teaspoon Red food coloring (gel preferred)

As the first whiff of peppermint fills the air, I can’t help but feel the jingle of the holiday spirit ushering in. These Candy Cane Cookies are not just a simple dessert; they’re a festive treat that will enchant everyone at your gathering. What I adore about this recipe is its quick prep time—only 20 minutes—making it a fantastic option for anyone feeling the crunch of the season. Plus, with a delightful twist of flavors from vanilla and peppermint, these cookies become an instant crowd-pleaser, perfect for both cozy nights in and cheerful holiday parties. Ready to learn how to create this cheerful masterpiece? Let’s dive into the magic of baking together!

Why Are Candy Cane Cookies So Special?

Festive Fun: These Candy Cane Cookies bring holiday cheer to your kitchen with a delightful twist of peppermint, making every bite feel like a celebration.

Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy family nights.

Visual Appeal: Their striking red and white design makes them a stunning treat that will impress friends and family alike.

Family-Friendly Recipe: Get the kids involved! Twisting the dough into candy cane shapes is a fun activity for bakers of all ages.

Perfect Pairing: Pair these cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or tea for an unbeatable holiday experience. If you love cookie diversity, don't miss out on our Christmas Thumbprint Cookies or Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies for more seasonal delights!

Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Unsalted butter – softening it will help create a light and fluffy texture.
Powdered sugar – this adds sweetness and a smooth consistency to the dough.
Large egg – using room temperature eggs helps all the ingredients combine more easily.
Vanilla extract – it adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peppermint.
Peppermint extract – the key ingredient that makes these Candy Cane Cookies festive and minty.
All-purpose flour – provides structure and a great base for cookie dough.
Salt – a pinch enhances the sweetness and balance of flavors.

For Color and Decoration

Red food coloring – gel preferred for vibrant color without excess liquid.

Now, let’s get ready to bake these scrumptious Candy Cane Cookies together, bringing a delightful cheer to your holiday festivities!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure that your Candy Cane Cookies don’t stick and will help them bake evenly. Take a moment to enjoy the anticipation of the delightful peppermint aroma that will soon fill your kitchen!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed for about 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is a crucial step that will give your cookies a tender texture. Once fluffy, set aside the bowl.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, add in the large room temperature egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts to the butter-sugar mix. Continue to beat the ingredients until fully combined and smooth, around 1–2 minutes. You should notice a sweet, enticing aroma developing as the flavors blend perfectly.

Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, carefully fold the ingredients together until everything is just combined, creating a soft, non-sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want your candy cane cookies to turn out tender and delicious!

Step 5: Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Take one portion and add a few drops of red food coloring. Knead the dough gently until the color is evenly distributed, achieving a vibrant red hue. This colorful dough will give your Candy Cane Cookies their festive charm.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies
For each cookie, roll 1 teaspoon of the white dough and 1 teaspoon of the red dough into 4-inch ropes. Twist them together to form a candy cane shape, making sure the colors are swirled beautifully. Place each cookie shape onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space in between for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your trays into the preheated oven and bake the Candy Cane Cookies for 8–10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the bottoms to be lightly golden while the tops remain pale. This is when the delightful peppermint scent fills your kitchen, making it hard to wait any longer!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. Soon, you’ll have a batch of beautiful, festive Candy Cane Cookies ready to share and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Candy Cane Cookies

Texture Check: Always ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This helps achieve that light, fluffy texture that makes the cookies irresistible.

Room Temp Egg: Using a room temperature egg is key for a smooth dough. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to be lumpy, so plan ahead!

Don’t Overmix: When combining your dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, which we want to avoid.

Coloring Tips: For vibrant red dough, use gel food coloring. Liquid dyes can throw off the dough's consistency. Just a few drops of gel will go a long way!

Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottom; any longer and they might get too crispy.

Storage Secrets: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will keep them soft and fresh for everyone to enjoy!

What to Serve with Candy Cane Cookies?

Nothing pairs better with the festive sweetness of Christmas than delightful side dishes that bring warmth to your table.

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: A cup of creamy minty cocoa amplifies the peppermint flavor and keeps you cozy on chilly nights.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy kick perfectly balances the sweetness of Candy Cane Cookies, offering a delightful contrast that charms every palate.
Spiced Apple Cider: This warm, aromatic drink, infused with cinnamon and cloves, enhances the holiday spirit of your cookie experience.
Christmas Fruitcake: Dotted with dried fruits and nuts, it adds a lovely rustic feel to your dessert table—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Pecan Pie: Its rich, caramel notes complement the minty freshness of Candy Cane Cookies, making it an irresistible duo.
Homemade Eggnog: This creamy, nutmeg-spiced drink pairs beautifully with the candy cane flavor, creating a festive treat you’ll cherish this season.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The fresh sweetness of strawberries dipped in chocolate provides a delightful fresh contrast to the peppermint cookies.
Holiday Chex Mix: A crunchy and savory snack adds texture and variety—ideal for those who enjoy a little salty with their sweets.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve your cookies warm alongside a scoop, and watch as the flavors meld deliciously with the cold treat.
Chocolate Mint Mousse: This rich, creamy dessert echoes the flavor of your cookies and is sure to impress your holiday guests!

How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and delicious.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks; just allow them to come back to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating: If desired, reheat the cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to revive their softness before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Candy Cane Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive flavors without the last-minute scramble! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow all the steps up to shaping the cookies, then wrap the divided dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, take the dough out, shape it into candy cane forms, and then bake as directed. To maintain their irresistible texture, make sure to store the dough in an airtight container so it doesn't dry out. You’ll have freshly baked Candy Cane Cookies with minimal effort, ready to delight your family!

Candy Cane Cookies Variations

Get ready to sprinkle some creativity into your Candy Cane Cookies with these delicious ideas that cater to all tastes!

Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Just ensure the mix includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over finished cookies for an extra rich and festive touch. Adding a chocolatey layer enhances the sweetness beautifully!
Mint-Chocolate Twist: Incorporate crushed peppermint candies into the dough for an added crunch and a delightful minty explosion.
Colorful Swirls: Use both red and green food coloring to create a colorful candy cane that adds more holiday cheer to your cookie platter.
Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to introduce warm, cozy flavors that perfectly complement the peppermint.
Lemon Zest: For a citrusy kick, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest—it brightens up the flavors and creates an invigorating addition to the mint! Perfect for those looking to shake things up.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil in place of unsalted butter and a dairy-free egg substitute for a delightful dairy-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Stuffed Candy Canes: Add a chocolate chip or a small piece of candy in the center of each dough rope before twisting for a hidden surprise that will wow your guests.

These variations might just inspire you to discover your own signature twist on these festive favorites! For more delightful cookie ideas, check out our delicious Lemon Sugar Cookies or try the tantalizing flavors in our Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies.

Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right peppermint extract?
Absolutely! When selecting peppermint extract for your Candy Cane Cookies, look for pure extracts rather than imitation. Pure peppermint extract will provide a richer, more authentic flavor. I recommend checking the ingredient label; it should ideally contain just peppermint oil and alcohol, without any artificial additives.

How should I store leftover cookies?
Very simple! Store your leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks. Just let them come back to room temperature before serving to retain their delightful texture.

Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Candy Cane Cookies, first, let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once firm, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They'll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
Ah, a common question! If your dough is sticky, it might be due to too much moisture or not enough flour. Start by adding a tablespoon of all-purpose flour gradually, kneading it gently until the dough reaches a soft, non-sticky consistency. It’s a good idea to flour your hands and surface as you work with the dough to help with shaping.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Very important to note! This Candy Cane Cookies recipe contains common allergens such as butter (dairy) and egg. If you need a dairy-free version, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or a dairy-free butter spread. For an egg substitute, consider using ground flaxseed mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) to help bind the ingredients together. Always ensure substitutes align with your dietary needs!