If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious treat to brighten up your holiday season, this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is pure magic. These cookies bring together the classic peppermint flavor with a charming candy cane twist that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. The combination of buttery dough, peppermint extract, and the playful swirl of red and white makes this recipe a standout favorite that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or gifting as a sweet holiday surprise.

The image shows twisted candy cane shaped cookies with two colors: white and bright red. Each cookie is made of two long strips, one white, one red, twisted together to form a spiral look. The cookies have small white sprinkles on them, giving a crunchy texture on top. They are placed on a white rectangular plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, more twisted cookies and a red and white striped straw can be seen, adding to the festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients, each one playing an essential role in achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and festive look. From the soft butter that guarantees tender cookies to the peppermint extract that brings all the holiday cheer, every element counts.

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and a tender bite.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Just enough lift to keep your cookies light and airy.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
1 large egg: Brings everything together, adding moisture and richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, comforting depth to the flavor.
½ teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show, delivering fresh and festive peppermint notes.
Red gel food coloring: For that signature candy cane swirl and holiday cheer.
Crushed candy canes or sugar for topping (optional): Adds sparkle and a delightful crunch on top.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and seasoning distribute evenly throughout the dough, setting up the perfect base for your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Take your softened butter and granulated sugar and beat them together in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy — about two to three minutes. This step is crucial for that dreamy, tender texture. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine and Divide Dough

Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the butter mixture, taking care to avoid overmixing so your cookies remain tender. Once the dough forms, divide it evenly into two portions. Leave one half plain, and color the other half with red gel food coloring to get that classic candy cane contrast.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap both dough portions tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling makes the dough firmer and easier to handle, and it helps the shapes keep their form while baking.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

After chilling, roll out small pieces of both plain and colored dough into ropes roughly six inches long. Twist one red and one plain rope gently together, then curve the top to form the iconic candy cane shape. This part is so much fun and really brings the festive feel to life!

Step 6: Bake

Place your shaped cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them generously so they can bake and set without sticking. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set — you want them firm but not browned.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. While still warm, sprinkle crushed candy canes or a dusting of sugar on top for an extra festive touch and a bit of crunch.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy Cane Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkling crushed candy canes on warm cookies adds a subtle sparkle and an extra peppermint punch. For a touch of elegance, you can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of hot cocoa or peppermint-spiced coffee, making them a perfect treat for relaxing holiday afternoons. Alternatively, serve them alongside a cheese board with mild cheeses and dried fruits for a sophisticated snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Candy Cane Cookies Recipe on a festive platter lined with evergreen sprigs or holly berries to wow your guests visually. You can also tie small bundles of three or four cookies with red and white twine for charming holiday gifts or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Candy Cane Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to keep them fresh and crisp. If you’re in a humid climate, adding a slice of bread inside the container can help absorb excess moisture and maintain texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and enhance their delightful peppermint aroma.

FAQs

Can I use candy cane flavor instead of peppermint extract?

Candy cane flavor often contains peppermint, so it can be used as a substitute. Just check the concentration and adjust the quantity, as some extracts can be stronger and may alter the cookie’s balance of flavors.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?

You can use regular liquid food coloring, but gel coloring is recommended as it won’t change the dough’s consistency. If you only have liquid, add it sparingly to avoid making the dough too soft or sticky.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour, and make sure your other ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free certified for best results.

How can I make the peppermint flavor stronger?

Increasing the peppermint extract slightly can enhance the flavor, but be careful not to add too much, as it can become overpowering and bitter. You can also top the cookies with more crushed candy canes for an extra minty punch.

Why do I need to chill the dough?

Chilling solidifies the butter and firms up the dough, which helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking. It also improves the texture, making the cookies tender and less prone to spreading too much.

Final Thoughts

This Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is a joyful way to bring bright color and classic holiday flavor to your kitchen. The ease of making these fun-shaped cookies, combined with their irresistible peppermint sweetness, makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether for gifting, decorating, or simply indulging with a warm drink, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year. So don your apron, mix up this batch, and spread some festive cheer with every delicious bite!

Candy Cane Cookies Recipe