Candy Cane Cookies

Name: Candy Cane Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Red and white colored sugar or crushed candy canes for decoration

December 14, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Homemade Candy Cane Cookies decorated with red and white stripes.

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Bring the Festive Spirit Home with Candy Cane Cookies

As the crisp air settles in and holiday lights twinkle bright, there’s an undeniable pull towards the comforts of home. Picture this: the cozy warmth of your kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking wafting through the air. These moments are made even sweeter with a batch of homemade Candy Cane Cookies, a delightful treat that’s not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also stirring up nostalgic memories of childhood winter wonderlands.

Imagine gathering friends and family around the table, sharing stories as you bite into the soft, chewy texture and the refreshing burst of peppermint. The festive red and white swirls of your Candy Cane Cookies will catch everyone’s eye, turning any mundane afternoon into a jubilant celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, filling gift boxes, or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, these cookies will evoke joy and warmth with every delightful crunch.

As the sounds of laughter and the soft jingle of holiday music fill your space, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something special in your kitchen. So, let’s dive into the magic of Candy Cane Cookies and transform your kitchen into a festive wonderland!

What You’ll Need

Before we embark on this delicious journey, let’s gather everything we need. This includes an assortment of simple ingredients and a few handy tools which will ensure that our cookie-making process is smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these festive delights:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Red and white colored sugar or crushed candy canes for decoration

Tools

Having the right tools on hand will make your baking experience seamless:

Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper
Baking sheet
Rolling pin
Wire rack

How to Make It

Now that we’re prepped and ready, let’s dive into the steps to make these festive Candy Cane Cookies that will enchant your taste buds and fill your home with joyful scents.

Prep the Base

First, we want to create the buttery foundation of our cookies. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, almost like a soft cloud. The sweet aroma of sugar combined with the richness of butter will begin to fill the air, making every moment feel festive.

Beat in the egg, then follow it up with a splash of vanilla and peppermint extract. The peppermint extract adds a fresh zing, reminiscent of candy canes hanging on your tree. With each stir, envision the spirit of the holidays weaving through your dough as the ingredients combine elegantly.

Build the Flavor

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. The gentle crunch of the salt, mingling with the flour, is a reminder that each ingredient has a role to play in achieving that perfect cookie texture. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

As the dough comes together, feel its cool, slightly sticky texture between your fingers. You’ll know it’s ready when it doesn’t cling to the sides of the bowl anymore, signifying that the flavors are harmonizing beautifully. Divide the dough in half, and color one half with red food coloring. Feel free to play a bit, mixing until the red is vibrant and reminiscent of a classic holiday palette.

Create the Candy Cane Shapes

Now comes the fun part! Roll small pieces of each dough into ropes measuring about 4-6 inches long. The contrasting colors of white and red will create those delightful candy cane swirls. As you twist them together, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful ways in which the colors meld, forming unique patterns with each one.

Arrange your colorful candy cane masterpieces on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The kitchen is bursting with excitement as the cookies take their shape, embodying the essence of holiday cheer. Finish them off with a sprinkle of colored sugar or crushed candy canes on top, ensuring each cookie shines like a festive ornament.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven, where the magic truly happens. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until they are lightly golden. The sweet, inviting aroma will soon envelop your home, making it impossible not to feel the warmth of the season. After the timer goes off, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack.

As you bite into these freshly baked Candy Cane Cookies, let the combination of soft chewy texture and peppermint surprise take you back to the most joyful moments of the holiday season. These cookies are not just treats; they are memories waiting to be made.

Creative Twists

While the traditional Candy Cane Cookies are pure perfection, consider these delightful twists to add a personal touch:

Chocolate Peppermint: Add cocoa powder to one half of the dough for a chocolate twist, combining it with the peppermint for a richer flavor.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add crunch alongside the soft dough for a contrasting texture.
Seasonal Flavors: Use cinnamon or nutmeg in the mix for a spiced version that speaks to holiday warmth, creating a unique cookie experience.
Decorative Icing: Top cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, then drizzle with melted chocolate for a festive look.

Final Inspiration

Baking these Candy Cane Cookies is more than just a recipe; it’s about embracing the joy and spirit of the season. As you share these delightful treats with the people you love, you invite warmth and cheer into your home.

Imagine the laughter around the table as everyone reaches for a cookie, sharing stories and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves, invite a friend or two, and get ready to fill your heart and home with the magic of Candy Cane Cookies. The warmth of baking, the joy of sharing, and the sweetness of these cookies are the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable holiday season.

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