Candy Cane Cookies

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Candy Cane Cookies instantly bring a festive feeling into the kitchen with their cheerful red and white twists and delicate peppermint aroma. These cookies are buttery, lightly crisp on the edges, and tender in the center, making them just as enjoyable to eat as they are to look at. They feel nostalgic and special, yet they are surprisingly simple once you understand the shaping process.

Baking Candy Cane Cookies is more than just making a sweet treat. It is a cozy holiday activity that fills the house with warmth and invites creativity. Whether you are baking with family or preparing edible gifts, these cookies always stand out on dessert trays thanks to their charming candy cane shape and refreshing mint flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are festive without being complicated. The dough is easy to handle, the peppermint flavor feels refreshing instead of overly sweet, and the visual appeal makes them perfect for parties and cookie exchanges. They also hold their shape beautifully during baking, which means you get picture perfect cookies every time.

What Makes Candy Cane Cookies So Festive?

Candy Cane Cookies feel like the holidays because they combine familiar seasonal colors with a hint of peppermint that instantly reminds you of winter treats. The twisted design gives them personality and turns a simple cookie dough into something decorative and gift worthy.

Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cookies

The ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies are simple pantry staples with a festive twist. Each component contributes to the cookie’s tender texture, balanced sweetness, and signature peppermint flavor while also helping the dough hold its iconic shape.

• Butter brings richness and keeps the cookies soft while allowing crisp edges.
• Granulated sugar sweetens the dough and helps create a delicate texture.
• Egg binds the dough together and adds structure.
• Vanilla extract rounds out the sweetness with warm flavor notes.
• Peppermint extract gives the cookies their signature refreshing taste.
• All purpose flour forms the base structure of the cookies.
• Salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Red food coloring creates the classic candy cane stripes.
• Crushed candy canes add sparkle and extra peppermint flavor on top.

How To Make the Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step creates a smooth base that helps the cookies bake evenly and keeps them tender.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until everything is fully incorporated. The dough should smell lightly minty but not overpowering.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing so the cookies stay delicate.

Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough

Split the dough into two portions. Leave one portion plain and mix red food coloring into the other until evenly tinted.

Step 5: Shape the Candy Canes

Roll small ropes from each dough color, place them side by side, gently twist them together, and curve one end to form a candy cane shape.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake until just set with very light golden edges.

Step 7: Add Candy Cane Topping

Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the warm cookies so they stick lightly without melting completely.

Serving and Storing Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for holiday dessert trays, cookie swaps, or packaging as homemade gifts. Their festive appearance makes them an instant centerpiece on any table. This recipe typically feeds about 24 cookies depending on the size you roll.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If stacking them, place parchment paper between layers to protect their shape. They also freeze well, either baked or as prepared dough, making them convenient for holiday prep.

What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

The creamy richness of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the refreshing peppermint flavor.

Coffee Drinks

Lattes and cappuccinos balance the sweetness while complementing the buttery texture.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serving cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into a simple dessert plate.

Peppermint Bark

Layered chocolate and peppermint flavors echo the cookie’s taste and enhance the holiday feel.

Fresh Fruit Platters

Fruit adds brightness and keeps dessert spreads from feeling too heavy.

Spiced Tea

Warm spices and gentle sweetness highlight the mint notes without overpowering them.

Eggnog

A classic holiday drink that feels natural alongside festive cookies.

Want More Cookie Ideas?

If you love Candy Cane Cookies, you will probably enjoy exploring more sweet inspiration like Peppermint Bark at https://lifewithzoe.com/peppermint-bark-recipe/, Big Soft Ginger Cookies at https://lifewithzoe.com/big-soft-ginger-cookies/, Kentucky Butter Cake Cookies at https://lifewithzoe.com/kentucky-butter-cake-cookies-recipe/, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bars at https://lifewithzoe.com/oatmeal-raisin-cookie-bars/, and Peanut Butter Cowboy Cookies at https://lifewithzoe.com/peanut-butter-cowboy-cookies/. Each one offers a different texture and flavor while keeping that homemade comfort everyone loves.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make them extra minty or keep them subtle? Did you add extra crushed candy canes on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health boosting drinks and desserts on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lifewithzoerecipes/ and discover your new go to favorites.

Conclusion

Candy Cane Cookies capture the magic of holiday baking with their playful shape, buttery texture, and refreshing peppermint flavor. They are easy enough for beginners yet charming enough to impress guests. Once you try them, they quickly become a yearly tradition that brings joy both in the baking process and in every bite.

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