Candy Cane Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings the festive spirit into your home with every bite. These chewy and festive cookies are infused with a delightful peppermint flavor, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are sure to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookies

These Candy Cane Cookies are not just visually appealing with their red and white stripes; they also offer an array of benefits that make them a must-bake during the festive season. First, the combination of buttery sweetness and refreshing peppermint creates a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Second, they are versatile and can be enjoyed as peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, or even Christmas candy cookies. Additionally, they are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. Their chewy texture will satisfy your sweet tooth, and they make great gifts for friends and family. Plus, they are a fun way to get kids involved in holiday baking!

Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies

Gather these items:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 cup crushed candy cane pieces
1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 2: Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and peppermint extract until combined.
Step 3: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until almost no dry flour remains.
Step 4: Fold in candy cane bits and white chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Step 7: Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls (or 3 tablespoons for bakery-style cookies).
Step 8: Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Step 9: Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Candy Cane Cookies

Keep these in mind:

Chill the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Use fresh candy canes for the best flavor and crunch in each bite.
For a festive twist, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve them on a beautifully decorated platter alongside other holiday cookies or use them as a topping for ice cream. You can also package them in cute bags as festive candy cane treats for friends and family. They make a delightful addition to any Christmas party!

Delicious Candy Cane Cookies for Festive Celebrations - Candy Cane Cookies - main visual representation

How to Store and Reheat Candy Cane Cookies

To keep your Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat them, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds, and they’ll be just as delicious as when they were freshly baked. Meal prep tip: these cookies freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time for last-minute holiday celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candy Cane Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Candy Cane Cookies?

The secret lies in properly measuring your ingredients and chilling the dough. This ensures a chewy texture and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. The balance of peppermint flavor is also crucial for the best candy cane dessert recipes.

Can I make Candy Cane Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, bake the cookies and freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and enjoy!

How do I avoid common mistakes with Candy Cane Cookies?

Make sure to measure your flour correctly and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature to achieve the perfect texture. These tips will help you create the best chewy candy cane cookies recipe.

Variations of Candy Cane Cookies You Can Try

For those looking to switch things up, consider making gluten-free candy cane cookies by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also create vegan candy cane cookie recipes by using plant-based butter and flax eggs. For an extra festive touch, try adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts or chocolate chips!

Delicious Candy Cane Cookies for Festive Celebrations

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Chewy and festive cookies with a delightful peppermint flavor, perfect for the holiday season.

Author: Robert
Prep Time: 11 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 41 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
3/4 cup crushed candy cane pieces
1 cup white chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

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Instructions

Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Beat in the egg, egg yolk, vanilla, and peppermint extract until combined.
Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low until almost no dry flour remains.
Fold in candy cane bits and white chocolate chips. Do not overmix.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls (or 3 tablespoons for bakery-style cookies).
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft.
Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.