Candy Cane Cookies

By :

Laura

October 26, 2025

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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Why make this recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of the holiday season. They are festive, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. The combination of classic sugar cookies with the refreshing taste of peppermint offers a unique twist that many people love. Plus, the beautiful red and white swirls resemble candy canes, making them a joy to look at and eat!

Baking these cookies is not only a tasty way to celebrate the holidays but also a great opportunity to create lasting memories in the kitchen. The process can be a fun activity for kids and adults alike, bringing everyone together during this special time of the year. They are also perfect for gift-giving or as part of a holiday cookie platter, adding a homemade touch to your celebrations.

How to make Candy Cane Cookies

Making Candy Cane Cookies is relatively simple. With just a few key ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can create these beautiful treats in no time. Below are the detailed instructions on how to create these delightful cookies.

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp peppermint extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
Red gel food coloring (or beet paste for natural color)
Optional: Coarse sugar or sparkling sugar for garnish

Directions:

Cream base: Begin by beating the softened butter and sifted powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes.
Add wet: Next, mix in the room-temperature egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Add dry: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Divide & color: Divide the dough in half. Tint one half with red gel food coloring, mixing thoroughly until you achieve your desired shade. Wrap both halves of the dough in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Preheat: While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Shape: After the dough has chilled, take out a teaspoon of plain dough and a teaspoon of red dough. Roll each into 4–5 inch ropes. Then, twist the two ropes together to create a candy cane shape. Place each cookie about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 9–11 minutes, or until they are set and the edges are barely golden. Do not overbake, as you want them to remain soft.
Cool: Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar or sparkling sugar on top for a festive touch.

Nutriments benefits

These Candy Cane Cookies, while being a delicious treat, also provide some nutrients thanks to their ingredients:

Butter: Provides essential fats necessary for energy and helps with nutrient absorption.
Egg: A good source of protein and contains vitamins like B12 and D, which are important for health.
Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy, and whole grain versions can add fiber.
Sugar: While primarily providing energy, it also enhances the flavor.
Peppermint: Offers a refreshing taste and can aid digestion.

Of course, like many sweet treats, moderation is key!

What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies can be enjoyed alone or paired with various beverages and snacks. Here are some ideas for what to serve with these festive cookies:

Hot Chocolate: The warm, chocolatey drink complements the peppermint flavor of the cookies nicely.
Coffee or Tea: A cup of coffee or herbal tea can balance the sweetness and enhance your snack experience.
Milk: A classic pairing with any cookie, milk is always a hit!
Fruit: Serve with fresh fruit like berries or citrus to add a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love Candy Cane Cookies for many reasons. They are festive, tasty, and visually appealing. The unique blend of flavors with peppermint and vanilla brings a delightful twist. Plus, they are easy to make, which is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Sharing these cookies during the holiday season can spread joy and add a personal touch to your celebrations.

How to store Candy Cane Cookies

To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature.

Tips and mistakes to avoid

When making Candy Cane Cookies, here are some tips to ensure your success:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better cookie texture.
Measuring Flour: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to dry cookies.
Don’t overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
Chill the dough: If your dough is too warm, it may not hold its shape while baking. Always chill the dough to help maintain form.
Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies to ensure they don’t overbake. They should look set but not browned.

Variation

There are several fun variations you can try with Candy Cane Cookies, such as:

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough to create a chocolate version.
Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different texture.
Different Flavors: Experiment with other flavor extracts like almond or lemon for a twist.
Alternative Toppings: Instead of sugar, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top once the cookies cool.

FAQs

Can I use something other than red food coloring?
Yes! You can use beet paste for a natural color, or you can skip the coloring altogether for classic white cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be set and the edges should be barely golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just make sure to let it soften a bit before shaping and baking.

These Candy Cane Cookies are sure to be a hit this holiday season, bringing joy and warmth to your gatherings. Happy baking!