These festive red-and-white cookies are studded with peppermint crunch, blending a soft, buttery bite with icy candy cane bits in every mouthwatering moment. With edges that turn a perfect golden hue and centers that stay tender, these treats are beginner-friendly and sure to brighten any holiday gathering. Whip up a batch to share at cookie exchanges or sneak a few straight from the baking sheet—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients
Before you dive into mixing, gather these simple, yet essential pantry staples. Each ingredient plays its part, from structure to that signature peppermint pop:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, tender base that helps the cookies spread evenly and stay moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the cookies a subtle crispness around the edges.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Contributes extra fine sweetness and keeps the texture ultra-soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together while adding a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cookie’s overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Infuses that cool, festive minty note in every bite.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure for tender cookies that hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a gentle lift and prevents cookies from being too dense.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup crushed candy canes: Delivers peppermint crunch and festive red-and-white speckles.
- Red and green sprinkles (optional): Adds a colorful, celebratory finish to each cookie.
How To Make Candy Cane Cookie
Ready to transform these ingredients into a tray of merry cookies? This straightforward process combines simple mixing, gentle folding, and a quick bake to yield soft, tender cookies flecked with peppermint pieces. Follow each step closely, and don’t be afraid to get creative with sprinkles for that extra holiday sparkle.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Continue to mix until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and airy.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
6. Fold in the crushed candy canes gently until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and form it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Optionally, roll the cookie dough balls in red and green sprinkles for a festive touch before baking.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft.
10. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
These Candy Cane Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re sharing with friends or styling a holiday dessert table, here are a few fun ways to serve them:
- Hot Cocoa Companion: Arrange cookies on a small plate next to steaming mugs of rich hot chocolate, and invite everyone to dunk for extra peppermint flair.
- Festive Cookie Platter: Layer these cookies on a decorative serving tray with sprigs of holly or rosemary for an elegant, holiday-ready display.
- Gift-Wrapped Treats: Stack a handful of cookies, tie them with a velvet ribbon, and add a handwritten tag for charming homemade gifts.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and sprinkle with extra candy cane pieces for an upscale dessert presentation.
Tips For Perfect Candy Cane Cookie
Baking these peppermint delights is almost foolproof, but a few insider pointers can take them from great to unforgettable. Make sure your butter is properly softened—not melted—to achieve that ideal creamy base. When folding in candy canes, do it gently to preserve those crunchy bits. If you opt for sprinkles, roll the dough balls just before baking so they adhere nicely. Finally, keep an eye on the edges when they turn golden; that’s your cue to pull them out for perfectly soft centers.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For extra holiday flair, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
- Crushed candy canes can be replaced with peppermint chips for a different texture and flavor.
How To Store It
Proper storage keeps your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, tender, and full of peppermint punch long after baking day. Follow these simple methods to maintain that just-baked taste and texture:
- Room Temperature: Layer cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freezer Storage: Place fully cooled cookies in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Pre-Portioned Packs: Bundle small stacks of cookies in parchment or plastic wrap, then seal in snack bags for quick grab-and-go treats.
- Cool Completely First: Always ensure cookies are completely cool on a wire rack to prevent condensation and sogginess when stored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about these peppermint-packed treats:
- How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
It takes about 15 minutes to mix and portion the dough, plus 10 to 12 minutes of baking per batch. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet and another few minutes to transfer to a wire rack—about 30 to 35 minutes total from start to finish.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes. After mixing, cover the dough tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours to deepen the flavor and prevent spreading. You can also freeze portioned dough balls on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen—just add 1 to 2 minutes to the baking time.
- My dough is too sticky or too crumbly. What should I do?
If the dough is sticky, chill it for 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge. If it’s crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of flour at a time until it holds together without being dry. Always mix on low speed and avoid overmixing once the flour is added.
- Can I substitute crushed candy canes with peppermint chips or other mix-ins?
Absolutely. Swap the ½ cup crushed candy canes for ½ cup peppermint baking chips for a smoother texture. You can also fold in mini chocolate chips or colored sugar crystals for a different flavor or look.
- How can I adjust the peppermint flavor without it becoming overpowering?
Start with the recommended 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. If you prefer a stronger taste, increase by ¼ teaspoon at a time—mix and taste a small piece of dough each time. Extracts vary in strength, so add slowly to avoid a medicinal aftertaste.
- What’s the best way to store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Once completely cooled, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment or wax paper in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to one month and thaw at room temperature.
- How can I add extra holiday flair to these cookies?
After cooling, drizzle melted white chocolate over each cookie and immediately sprinkle with red and green nonpareils or sanding sugar. You can also insert a small candy cane in the dough before baking for a decorative handle.
What Makes This Special
This Candy Cane Cookie recipe shines because it combines simple pantry staples with festive flair—soft, buttery dough meets crunchy peppermint pieces for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s beginner-friendly, quick to whip up, and utterly addictive once those minty bits hit your taste buds. Feel free to print and save this guide for your holiday baking adventures, then come back and share your cookie triumphs (or questions!) in the comments. I can’t wait to hear how these merry treats turn out in your kitchen!
Candy Cane Cookie
Description
Soft buttery cookies flecked with candy cane bits and kissed by peppermint extract. Edges turn lightly golden, centers remain tender, and a sprinkle of red and green adds festive flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture. Continue to mix until fully incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in the crushed candy canes gently into the dough until they are evenly distributed.
-
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and form it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Optionally, you can roll the cookie dough balls in red and green sprinkles for a festive touch before baking.
-
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look soft, which is fine.
-
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For extra holiday flair, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies.
- If you prefer a stronger peppermint flavor, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract, but be cautious as it can become overpowering.
- Crushed candy canes can be replaced with peppermint chips for a different texture and flavor.
