Candy Cane Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat That’s Fun to Make

Candy Cane Cookies are the ultimate festive baking project—bright, pepperminty, and shaped like the iconic holiday candy. These nostalgic cookies are not only beautiful but surprisingly simple to make with a basic sugar cookie dough that’s split, colored, twisted, and baked into the perfect holiday treat. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing a cookie exchange batch, or just want something fun and seasonal, this recipe brings sweet, minty joy to any cookie platter.

Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies strike the perfect balance between classic sugar cookies and festive flair. They’re flavored with peppermint extract, which adds a fresh holiday twist, and their signature red-and-white swirl creates a stunning visual impact. These cookies are great for:

• Holiday baking with kids: The twisting and shaping are hands-on and fun.
• Make-ahead prep: Dough can be chilled or frozen, and cookies freeze well after baking.
• Festive cookie trays: Their shape and color make them stand out.

These cookies are not just delicious—they’re conversation starters and a charming tradition in the making.

What You’ll Need for These Holiday Cookies

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with structure
• Peppermint Extract: Infuses the cookies with that cool, minty holiday flavor
• Vanilla Extract: Balances the peppermint with a warm, familiar base note
• Baking Powder: Provides light lift to keep the cookies from being too dense
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors
• Egg: Binds the dough and contributes to the texture
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural base of the cookie
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature red swirl of the candy cane look
• Egg White: Used for the final glaze to make sugar stick
• Sparkling Sugar: Adds crunch, sparkle, and visual appeal to the finished cookie

Ingredient Swaps & Tips for Customization

If you’re out of an ingredient or need to adjust for dietary reasons, here are some easy alternatives:

• Peppermint Extract: Swap with spearmint or even almond extract for a different twist.
• Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version. Look for one with a similar fat content for best results.
• Red Food Coloring: Opt for a natural dye (like beet powder) if avoiding artificial colors.
• Flour: Gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blends will work, though cookies may spread slightly more.

If you’re after a more traditional sugar cookie vibe, you can also make these without the peppermint extract and just shape and color them for visual effect.

How to Make Candy Cane Cookies

1. Cream the Base Ingredients
   In a stand mixer, beat butter, sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla, baking powder, and salt until the mixture becomes a creamy paste and clings to the bowl.
2. Incorporate the Egg & Flour
   Scrape down the bowl, then beat in the egg until fully combined. Add the flour and mix until the dough just comes together—don’t overmix.
3. Divide and Color the Dough
   Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other. Mix until the red is evenly distributed.
4. Chill the Dough
   Shape each half into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
6. Shape the Candy Canes
   Roll 1-inch balls of each color into 5-inch ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together, then curve the top to form a candy cane. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush & Sprinkle
   Beat the egg white with a splash of water until foamy. Brush each shaped cookie with the egg wash, then sprinkle with sparkling sugar.
8. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until the edges are barely golden. Cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

• Prevent Spreading: Chill your shaped cookies before baking for sharper shapes.
• Color Contrast: Use gel food coloring for brighter red without thinning the dough.
• Even Twisting: Roll ropes evenly so the cookies bake uniformly.
• Storage Savvy: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Avoid Overworking: Handle dough quickly when shaping to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Creative Pairings and Delicious Variations

Candy Cane Cookies are wonderful on their own but can be paired or varied to suit your mood or occasion:

• Serve With: Hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or spiced cider for a cozy winter pairing.
• Dip in Chocolate: Half-dip baked cookies in white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
• Add Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the egg wash instead of sugar for extra mint crunch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the dough for a subtle warmth.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make them celiac-friendly.

Planning ahead? You can shape and freeze the cookies before baking. Just place them on a tray to freeze solid, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake straight from frozen with just a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

A Sweet Holiday Tradition Worth Starting

Candy Cane Cookies bring more than just flavor to your holiday season—they bring joy in the making, beauty to your dessert table, and a touch of tradition you’ll want to repeat year after year. From the vibrant swirls to the cool mint flavor, every bite feels like a festive celebration. Whether you’re baking for Santa, a cookie swap, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to brighten the season.

Wrapping Up: A Festive Cookie That’s as Fun to Make as It Is to Eat

Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a holiday experience. With their striking swirls, nostalgic peppermint flavor, and hands-on shaping, they’re the perfect cookie to bring families together in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking them for a Christmas party, gifting them in a holiday tin, or just making your kitchen smell like peppermint joy, these cookies are guaranteed to make your season brighter.

Their make-ahead friendliness, simple ingredients, and classic appeal make them a staple you’ll return to every December. So grab your red food coloring and peppermint extract—it’s time to twist up some holiday magic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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