Candy Cane Cookies

Name: Candy Cane Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp peppermint extract; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; Red food coloring (gel preferred)

Published: November 29, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Festive Presentation: The striking red and white colors bring a cheerful vibe to your holiday cookie platter.
Versatile Delight: Ideal for gifting, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones.
Customizable Flavor: Adjust the peppermint intensity to suit your taste or mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Perfect Texture: These cookies bake up soft with a light crunch on the edges, making them utterly irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking Candy Cane Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delightful treats.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheets
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking, ensuring your cookies bake uniformly.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, giving the dough the right texture.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these delightful Candy Cane Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract

For the Dry Mix

2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt

For Coloring

Red food coloring (gel preferred)

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Beat them together using an electric mixer until fluffy, approximately 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts

Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should not be sticky but still pliable enough to shape.

Step 5: Divide and Dye Dough

Split the dough into two equal halves. Color one half with red food coloring until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Take about 1 teaspoon of each colored dough. Roll them into 4-inch ropes. Twist the ropes together gently to form candy cane shapes.

Step 7: Bake Your Cookies

Place the shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delightful Candy Cane Cookies as part of your holiday festivities!

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any gathering. Their festive colors and sweet peppermint flavor make them perfect for sharing during the holiday season.

As a Festive Dessert

Serve alongside hot cocoa: The warm drink complements the cool peppermint flavor beautifully.
Arrange on a holiday platter: Display them with other festive treats for an eye-catching dessert table.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

Package in cellophane bags: Tie with a ribbon for easy gifting, perfect for neighbors or friends.
Use decorative tins: Fill tins with cookies for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Party Favors

Create goodie bags: Add candy cane cookies to party favor bags as fun take-home treats.
Pair with a small ornament: Attach an ornament to the bag for a memorable touch.

How to Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Achieving the ideal candy cane cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a creamier dough that blends well.
Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
Chill the dough if necessary: If it’s too soft, chilling can help in shaping the ropes.
Watch your baking time: Remove cookies when they are lightly golden on the bottom to avoid overbaking.
Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Cookies

Candy cane cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing their festive spirit. Here are some great options to consider!

Peppermint Hot Chocolate
A rich, creamy beverage that complements the minty flavors of the cookies perfectly.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of candy cane cookies.
Cheese Platter
Include mild cheeses such as brie or gouda, which contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
Bakery-Style Brownies
Rich and fudgy brownies provide a delicious chocolate contrast alongside your peppermint treats.
Spiced Nuts
A savory snack that offers crunch and warmth, balancing out the sweetness of the cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies
Another holiday classic, their spiciness pairs well with candy cane cookies’ sweetness.
Holiday Punch
A fruity non-alcoholic punch creates a festive drink option that everyone can enjoy alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Candy Cane Cookies even better. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Blend just until combined for a tender texture.
Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the dough consistency. Always use room temp ingredients for best results.
Not Measuring Flour Accurately: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for precise measurements.
Ignoring Baking Time: Overbaking leads to hard cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove when lightly golden on the bottom.
Forgetting to Cool Properly: Cooling on the pan may cause sogginess. Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack for perfect texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Cookies

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Candy Cane Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individually for about 10-15 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Cover with a lid in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Candy Cane Cookies:

What makes Candy Cane Cookies special?

Candy Cane Cookies combine buttery vanilla dough with refreshing peppermint, creating a unique holiday treat that delights everyone.

Can I customize my Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips or sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking for extra flavor and crunch.

How do I store leftover Candy Cane Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.

Are there any variations of Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes! Consider using different food colorings or adding festive sprinkles to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Cookies are not just tasty; they also bring festive cheer to any occasion. They’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or decorations—this recipe is as versatile as it is delightful!

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