Jolly Holiday Candy Cane Cookies Recipe for Festive Baking Fun

Sweet holiday baking reaches new heights with these delightful candy cane cookies that capture the spirit of the season.

Peppermint-infused dough swirls with vibrant red and white colors, creating a festive treat that sparkles with Christmas cheer.

Each carefully crafted cookie delivers a delicate crunch and refreshing minty flavor.

Butter, sugar, and crushed candy canes blend into a magical combination that dance on your taste buds.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

These cookies promise to become a cherished tradition that brings warmth and joy to your holiday gatherings.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread faster than frosting on fresh-baked goodness.

How to Bake Bright and Festive Candy Cane Cookies

• Whip Up the Base

Grab your mixing bowl and blend butter with sugar until it becomes super soft and airy. Crack in an egg and splash some vanilla and peppermint extracts, stirring until everything looks smooth and happy. Gradually fold in flour and salt, creating a tender dough that’s ready for magic.

• Create Color Excitement

Split your dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion natural and transform the other into a vibrant red using food coloring. Gently massage the color through until it looks perfectly even. Wrap both doughs in plastic and let them chill in the refrigerator for about half an hour.

• Craft Candy Cane Shapes

Heat the oven to 375F. Grab small pieces of plain and red dough, rolling each into slender ropes about hand-length. Carefully twist the ropes together, then curve the top to mimic a classic candy cane. Arrange these beauties on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

• Bake and Cool

Pop the cookies into the oven for 8-10 minutes. Watch for set edges that haven’t turned brown. Once done, let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack.

• Add Final Flair

While cookies are still warm, sprinkle a mix of crushed candy canes and sugar over the top for an extra festive touch.

Flavor Changes to Liven Up Candy Cane Dough

• Festive Cookie Perfection: Expert tips to elevate your candy cane cookies and make them absolutely delightful.
• Dough Temperature Magic: Work with chilled dough for cleaner twists and sharper candy cane shapes. If the dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
• Color Intensity Hack: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant red color without changing dough consistency. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired shade.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Add a pinch of xanthan gum for better texture if your blend doesn't include it.
• Vegan Holiday Swap: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to create a plant-based version of these festive treats.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different extract combinations like almond-peppermint or add a hint of orange zest to the dough for unexpected flavor profiles that will surprise and delight.

How to Plate and Serve Candy Cane Cookies

• Festive Plating Paradise: Arrange cookies on a holiday-themed ceramic platter with sprigs of fresh mint or small ornamental candy canes for a whimsical presentation.
• Sweet Gift Packaging: Wrap 3-4 cookies in clear cellophane with a red ribbon, creating adorable homemade edible gifts perfect for holiday gatherings or teacher presents.
• Hot Beverage Companion: Serve alongside hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or vanilla latte – the cookies complement warm drinks beautifully and create a cozy winter moment.
• Dessert Table Centerpiece: Create a stunning cookie display by stacking cookies in a tiered arrangement, alternating plain and red-swirled versions for visual drama and festive appeal.

Storage Solutions for Candy Cane Cookie Batches

• Smart Fridge Storage: Tuck cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain crisp texture and prevent breakage. Keep at cool room temperature for optimal freshness.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap unbaked cookie dough in plastic film, store in freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before rolling and baking for instant festive treats.
• Shelf Life Secrets: Enjoy homemade candy cane cookies within 5-7 days when stored properly. Room temperature containers work best, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare dough up to 3 days before baking. Keep wrapped tightly in refrigerator, allowing dough to soften slightly at room temperature for easier shaping when ready to create delightful cookies.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 182 kcal

Servings: 24

Candy Cane Cookie Ingredient Guide

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for tender cookies with smooth texture and delightful flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create golden, crisp edges during baking.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness with warm, classic bakery aroma.
• Peppermint Extract: Delivers signature candy cane flavor with cool, refreshing essence.

• Flour: Creates cookie structure and provides soft, delicate crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies other flavor notes in the recipe.

• Red Food Coloring: Creates iconic red and white candy cane stripe pattern.
• Granulated Sugar, Crushed Candy Canes: Adds sparkling finish and extra peppermint crunch.

Tools to Help With Candy Cane Cookie Prep

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for creaming butter and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: Perfect for achieving light, fluffy butter and sugar mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rolling Surface: Clean countertop or cutting board for rolling dough ropes.
• Baking Sheets: Used for shaping and baking candy cane cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool evenly after baking.
• Plastic Wrap: Needed for chilling dough portions.

Festive Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 25 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive candy cane cookies bring holiday cheer with their minty red and white swirled design. Crisp peppermint-infused shortbread melts in your mouth, delivering sweet nostalgia you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2.5 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp peppermint extract
• Red food coloring
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp crushed candy canes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts until completely incorporated.
2. Flour Integration: Fold in flour and salt, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
3. Color Separation: Divide dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion natural and tint the other with red food coloring, ensuring even color distribution.
4. Chilling Process: Wrap both dough variations in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 375F (190C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
6. Shaping Technique: Roll out portions of plain and colored dough into thin 4-5 inch ropes. Carefully twist the two colors together, gently bending the top to create a candy cane shape.
7. Baking Sequence: Arrange shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly.
8. Baking Completion: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
9. Cooling and Finishing: Transfer cookies to a cooling rack. While still warm, optionally sprinkle with a mixture of crushed candy canes and granulated sugar for a festive touch.

Notes

• Chill Dough Strategically: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain intricate candy cane shape during baking.
• Balance Dough Consistency: Add flour gradually to prevent dry or crumbly texture, ensuring smooth, pliable dough that’s easy to manipulate and twist.
• Control Color Intensity: Add food coloring sparingly, mixing thoroughly to achieve vibrant red without compromising dough’s texture or structural integrity.
• Handle with Gentle Touch: Roll dough cylinders carefully and twist gently to prevent breaking or misshaping the delicate candy cane design.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 181
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg