Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a festive treat that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays, these Candy Cane Cookies are an absolute delight. Imagine crisp, buttery dough swirled with peppermint and a pop of cheerful red color, shaped into classic candy cane forms that bring both joy and flavor to your kitchen. These cookies combine the nostalgic charm of peppermint with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them an irresistible holiday favorite that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Candy Cane Cookies is surprisingly simple, with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Each component plays a role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and vivid color — from the creamy butter that keeps the cookies tender to the peppermint extract that adds that signature holiday zing.

• Unsalted butter (2 sticks/227g): Bring it to room temperature so it creams smoothly with sugar for a tender cookie texture.
• Sugar (1 cup/200g): Provides the perfect sweetness and helps create that slight crunch on the edges.
• Peppermint extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with refreshing holiday flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and rounds out the flavor profile.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): A leavening agent that ensures a light, soft crumb.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Large egg (1): Binds all ingredients together for structure and moisture.
• All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups/385g): The foundation of the dough adding needed structure.
• Liquid red food coloring (1 teaspoon): Gives the dough its festive candy cane red hue.
• Egg white (1, for wash): Used to brush on cookies before baking for a shiny finish.
• Sparkling sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a glittery, sweet crunch on top of the cookies.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the butter, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract, baking powder, and kosher salt in a stand mixer until they form a smooth paste that sticks to the sides of the bowl. This step is essential for developing the soft, tender texture we all adore in these cookies. Next, beat in the egg until it’s fully incorporated, making the dough rich and moist. Add the flour gradually and mix on low until no dry streaks remain—don’t overmix!

Step 2: Color Half the Dough

Now for the fun part — divide the dough into two equal parts. Keep one white and add liquid red food coloring to the other half. Mix gently on low speed until the red is evenly spread throughout the dough, creating that iconic candy cane contrast. This simple step turns a basic cookie dough into a festive masterpiece.

Step 3: Chill the Dough

Shape each portion of dough into disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least three hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial to make the dough firm so it’s easier to handle and shape later. Plus, resting the dough enhances flavor and gives you those perfectly crisp edges after baking.

Step 4: Shape the Candy Cane Cookies

When you’re ready, preheat your oven to 350ºF and line your baking sheet. Take one-inch pieces of chilled white and red dough, rolling each into a 5-inch rope. With equal length ropes side by side, gently twist them together, then shape into a classic candy cane with a small curve at the top. This technique is simple yet creates that signature swirled look that makes these cookies so special.

Step 5: Add Sparkle and Bake

Make an egg white wash by beating the egg white with a tablespoon of water until foamy, then brush it atop each candy cane cookie. Sprinkle sparkling sugar generously to add glitter and extra sweetness. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool a bit on the pan before transferring to a rack — this helps them set perfectly.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkling these cookies with sparkling sugar before baking adds a whimsical sparkle, but you can also dust a little powdered sugar on top once cooled for an elegant, frosty look. If you want to be extra festive, drizzling some white chocolate or dark chocolate over the cooled cookies provides a luscious finish.

Side Dishes

Candy Cane Cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Their refreshing peppermint flavor cuts through the richness of drinks, creating a delightful balance. They’re also fantastic alongside a platter of holiday cheeses and fruits for a festive dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your cookie presentation, arrange Candy Cane Cookies in a circular pattern resembling a wreath on a festive plate. Tie a few together in small bundles using red and white striped twine for gifting, or display them in clear jars adorned with ribbons—this makes a beautiful and tasty holiday decoration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their texture and flavor perfectly.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked Candy Cane Cookies dough or fully baked cookies. Wrap dough disks tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge. Baked cookies freeze well too—just freeze in airtight containers separated by parchment paper, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it might make the texture rubbery. Reheating this way revives that fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhances the peppermint aroma.

FAQs

Can I substitute peppermint extract with something else?

If you don’t have peppermint extract on hand, you can use spearmint extract or even a bit of crushed peppermint candy for flavor, but peppermint extract offers the most authentic taste for Candy Cane Cookies.

Why is chilling the dough necessary?

Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and shape without sticking. It also relaxes gluten strands, so the cookies bake up tender with crisp edges.

Can I make these cookies without food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the red food coloring if you prefer a more subtle cookie. Just twist two portions of the uncolored dough together for a pale candy cane effect.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Can I add other flavors to these cookies?

Absolutely! A splash of almond extract or a bit of finely chopped candy cane mixed into the dough can make for some delicious variations.

Final Thoughts

These Candy Cane Cookies are truly a holiday treasure—simple to make, fun to shape, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, they bring warmth and cheer to any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and watch how they quickly become your go-to holiday cookie tradition!

Print