Delicious Candy Cane Cookies decorated with peppermint icing and festive colors.

Candy Cane Cookies

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful treat that brings a touch of holiday cheer to any gathering. Their festive colors and minty flavor make them perfect for Christmas or any winter celebration. These cookies not only look great on a cookie platter but also taste delicious, filling your home with the warm scents of baking. Plus, they are fun to make, especially if you have little ones helping out.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temp)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Red food coloring (gel preferred)

Directions

  1. Prep oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter + sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add egg & extracts: Mix in the room temperature egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is smooth.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: Slowly blend in the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  5. Divide + dye: Split the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and mix until you reach the desired color.
  6. Shape: Roll 1 teaspoon of each color into 4-inch ropes. Twist the two colors together and bend them into a candy cane shape.
  7. Bake: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let them cool for about 5 minutes on the pan.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

Serve Candy Cane Cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats. They pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or a cup of warm tea. You can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and a pretty touch.

How to Store Candy Cane Cookies

Store your Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Candy Cane Cookies

  • Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
  • Use gel food coloring for a brighter red that holds up during baking.
  • You can adjust the peppermint extract to your taste: more for a stronger mint flavor or less for a milder taste.
  • If your dough is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping.

Variation

For a twist on the traditional recipe, consider adding crushed candy canes or chocolate chips to the dough for added flavor and texture. You can also dip the finished cookies in white chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermint on top.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use additional vanilla extract instead. The cookies will taste different but still delicious.

Can I use a different color instead of red?
Absolutely! You can use any color food coloring or skip the coloring altogether for classic cream-colored cookies.