Name: Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.5 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour; 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract; Red food coloring; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 0.25 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon crushed candy canes (optional)

Sweet memories often bloom around the candy cane cookie recipe that whispers winter magic into every kitchen.

Grandma’s cherished tradition sparkles with peppermint-swirled delight and festive charm.

Delicate swirls of red and white dance across buttery surfaces, promising pure joy in each bite.

Crisp edges and soft centers create a delightful texture you’ll absolutely adore.

Seasonal baking becomes an intimate celebration of comfort and nostalgia with this charming treat.

Holiday gatherings deserve something special, and these cookies deliver pure happiness.

Bake these delightful morsels and watch smiles bloom around your festive table.

Pro Tips to Level Up Candy Cane Cookies

Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help maintain the candy cane shape during baking.
Create Uniform Ropes: Use equal amounts of red and plain dough, rolling them to consistent thickness for perfectly twisted candy cane cookies.
Work with Cold Dough: Keep dough chilled between batches to prevent stickiness and make shaping easier, ensuring clean candy cane twists.
Handle with Care: Transfer cookies gently to prevent breaking, as they are delicate when warm and can easily crack or fall apart.
Customize Flavor Intensity: Adjust peppermint extract to taste- start with a small amount and increase for stronger mint flavor without overwhelming the cookie.

Keep Candy Cane Cookies Delicious Over Time

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their crisp texture and refresh the peppermint flavor.
Keep cookies away from humid areas to maintain their delicate crumbly texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Best Matches for Candy Cane Cookies

Rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the candy cane cookies' minty crunch, creating a luxurious winter treat that warms the soul.
The spicy, smooth chai latte balances the cookie's peppermint sharpness, offering a delightful contrast of flavors that dance on your palate.
Sweet, light Moscato wine enhances the cookie's minty sweetness, providing an elegant adult pairing that elevates the holiday snacking experience.
Crystal-clear peppermint tea echoes the cookie's mint notes, creating a pure, refreshing combination that cleanses the palate and intensifies the festive spirit.

Fun New Ways to Make Candy Cane Cookies

Gluten-Free Candy Cane Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers. Maintain the same mixing and shaping techniques for a delicious alternative.
Vegan Candy Cane Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer instead of a regular egg. Select vegan-friendly peppermint extract to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Candy Cane Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce the overall sugar content while maintaining the classic candy cane flavor profile. Use natural food coloring for a healthier spin.
Keto-Friendly Candy Cane Cookies: Use almond flour and coconut flour as a base. Replace sugar with erythritol or stevia. Add extra peppermint extract to boost flavor. Use sugar-free candy cane pieces for optional garnish.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

How do I prevent the dough ropes from breaking when twisting?

Make sure your dough is chilled and work on a lightly floured surface. Roll the ropes gently and evenly, and twist slowly with light pressure to keep the dough intact.

What if I don't have peppermint extract?

You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract or skip it entirely. The cookies will still taste great with just vanilla extract, though the peppermint flavor will be milder.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, place the cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Candy Cane Cookies with Festive Flavor

Perfect for novice bakers with simple steps and minimal technical skills needed to create stunning holiday treats.
These visually appealing cookies will wow family and friends at Christmas gatherings, potlucks, and seasonal celebrations.
Involve children in twisting colorful dough ropes and sprinkling festive sugar, making baking a fun family activity.

What You’ll Need for Candy Cane Cookies

Base Ingredients:

Butter, Sugar: Creamy base providing sweetness and rich texture, room temperature butter works best.
Egg: Binding agent adding moisture and structure to the cookie.
Vanilla Extract, Peppermint Extract: Classic flavor enhancers for depth and signature candy cane taste.

Dry Ingredients:

Flour, Salt: Foundational dry components creating cookie structure, all-purpose flour recommended.

Coloring and Decorative Ingredients:

Red Food Coloring: Creates classic red and white candy cane stripe effect, gel food coloring preferred for vibrant color.
Granulated Sugar, Candy Canes: Optional garnish adding festive sparkle and extra peppermint crunch, crushed candy canes provide decorative texture.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Easily

Step 1: Whip Up the Cookie Base

Grab butter and sugar, then blend them together until they become light and airy. Crack in an egg, then pour vanilla and peppermint extracts. Mix thoroughly until everything combines smoothly. Gradually fold in flour and salt, creating a soft, pliable dough.

Step 2: Divide and Add Color

Split the dough into two equal portions. Keep one portion natural and white. Transform the second portion by introducing red food coloring, stirring until the color spreads evenly throughout. Wrap both dough sections in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Candy Cane Treats

Heat the oven to 375°F. Cover baking sheets with parchment paper. Take matching portions of white and red dough, rolling each into slender ropes about 4-5 inches long. Carefully twist the colored ropes together, gently curving the top to mimic a classic candy cane shape. Place each twisted cookie onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cookie edges look set but not darkened. After removing from the oven, let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 5: Add a Sparkling Finish

Combine granulated sugar with crushed candy cane pieces. While cookies remain warm, sprinkle the festive mixture over the tops, creating a beautiful and tasty decoration.

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.
Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.