Introduction

These candy cane cookies bring festive cheer with their crisp texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter treat, they combine classic sugar cookie dough with the magic of crushed candy canes.

Magic of Candy Cane Cookies: Festive Holiday Treats to Enjoy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup crushed candy canes
½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional substitute for candy canes)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in the crushed candy canes, reserving some for sprinkling on top of the cookies.
Step 6: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over each dough ball before baking.
Step 8: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger peppermint flavor, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of or in addition to crushed candy canes.
Use crushed peppermint candies or candies shaped like candy canes for a colorful topping.
Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats and adjust baking time to about 8-10 minutes.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies keep their shape.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture. Reheat cookies for a few seconds in the microwave to restore softness if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute candy canes with peppermint extract only?

Yes, you can use ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes to achieve the peppermint flavor but keep in mind that the texture and crunch from the candy canes will be missing.

How do I prevent the candy canes from melting too much during baking?

Crushing the candy canes into larger pieces helps them maintain some crunch. Also, sprinkle some candy cane pieces on top right before baking to create a festive, textured finish without completely melting into the cookies.

Magic of Candy Cane Cookies: Festive Holiday Treats to Enjoy Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 59 reviews

Enjoy the festive spirit with these delightful Candy Cane Cookies, featuring a buttery base studded with crushed candy canes for a perfect holiday treat. These cookies offer a crisp, sweet peppermint flavor that’s ideal for celebrations or gifting.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon peppermint extract (optional substitute for candy canes)

Topping

1 cup crushed candy canes (divided)

Instructions

Preheat Oven. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking your cookies perfectly.
Prepare Baking Sheets. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cream Butter and Sugar. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Egg and Vanilla. Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until the batter is well combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution then gradually add to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Incorporate Candy Canes. Gently fold in three-quarters of the crushed candy canes into the dough, reserving some to sprinkle on top before baking.
Shape Cookies. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.
Add Topping. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top of each cookie dough ball for an extra peppermint crunch and festive appearance.
Bake. Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden color.
Cool Cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Use room temperature butter to achieve the best creaming texture for your cookies.
For a more intense peppermint flavor, add peppermint extract in addition to crushed candy canes.
Crushed candy canes can be replaced or supplemented with peppermint chips for variation.
Cookies will keep well in an airtight container for up to one week.
Ensure not to overbake the cookies to maintain a chewy center with crispy edges.

Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Peppermint Cookies, Festive Treats, Easy Holiday Baking