Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Few things say “holiday magic” like a tray of homemade Christmas Candy Cane Cookies. These buttery peppermint twists bring festive cheer with their red-and-white stripes, sweet aroma, and nostalgic flavor. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or nibbling by the fireplace, these cookies are both fun and simple to make. The dough can be prepped ahead, chilled overnight, and shaped easily with little hands helping. With just a few classic ingredients and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, you’ll have a batch of holiday-ready cookies that sparkle on your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

You’ll adore these cookies for their festive look and nostalgic flavor. The red-and-white twist captures the joy of Christmas while the buttery dough melts in your mouth. Each bite has a hint of peppermint that pairs beautifully with a cup of cocoa. Kids love shaping the candy canes, making this recipe perfect for a fun baking day together. You can also prepare the dough in advance, so there’s less stress during the busy holiday season. Whether for a cookie exchange, school party, or cozy family gathering, these treats add a touch of charm and cheer to any celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

To make these classic cookies, gather 1 cup butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. These bring sweetness and a fresh, minty aroma. Add 1 egg to bind the ingredients and provide a rich texture. You’ll also need 2½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt for the perfect structure. Red gel food coloring gives the cookies their bright color while avoiding extra moisture. For topping, mix 2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Always use real butter for a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies unforgettable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

You’ll need mixing bowls, a hand or stand mixer, a spatula, and ungreased baking sheets. Have plastic wrap ready for chilling the dough and enough refrigerator space to set it firm. Use a wire cooling rack for finishing and a small bowl to combine peppermint and sugar. Measuring cups, spoons, and a clean surface for rolling dough ropes make shaping easier. Keeping tools cool helps maintain perfect cookie shapes while baking.

How to Make Christmas Candy Cane Cookies

Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the butter, both sugars, vanilla, peppermint extract, and egg until combined. The mixture should be soft but not overmixed. Next, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until a dough forms. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together.

Divide and Color

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Tint one portion red using gel food coloring. Mix until evenly colored. Wrap both dough portions separately in plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours until firm. Chilling helps the dough handle easily and keeps the candy cane shapes crisp when baked.

Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, take 1 teaspoon of plain dough and 1 teaspoon of red dough. Roll each into 5-inch ropes. Twist them gently together, then curve the top to form the candy cane hook. If dough softens while shaping, return it to the fridge for a few minutes. Arrange shaped cookies on ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden. Keep a close eye to prevent overbrowning as peppermint flavor can fade with too much heat. Rotate sheets halfway through for even baking.

Add Peppermint Sugar Topping

Immediately after baking, sprinkle the hot cookies with the peppermint-sugar mixture. The heat helps the topping stick and creates a lovely sparkle.

Cool and Serve

Carefully transfer cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before storing. Once cooled, place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze unbaked dough or shaped cookies for later baking, which keeps them fresh and ready whenever you need them.

Pro Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Always chill your dough thoroughly. It prevents the shapes from spreading. Handle gently when twisting the ropes so the colors stay distinct. If the dough becomes too soft, chill it again. Use gel food coloring to maintain texture. For the best flavor, always use real butter. Want to prepare ahead? Make the dough the night before or freeze shaped cookies for a quick bake later. Freezing helps maintain their structure and makes last-minute baking a breeze. These cookies taste best fresh, but storing them in an airtight tin keeps them tender for days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip the chilling step since warm dough loses its shape quickly. Avoid liquid food coloring since it adds moisture and changes the dough’s consistency. Never overmix after adding flour or your cookies might turn dense. Watch baking time closely because overbaking removes the peppermint aroma. If cookies brown too fast, lower your oven rack slightly or bake one tray at a time for even heat distribution.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to one week. You can also refrigerate dough overnight for easy next-day baking. If freezing, shape cookies first and place them on a tray to freeze before transferring to a bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven without thawing. Freezing helps cookies hold their perfect candy cane twist.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

Try dipping the ends of cooled cookies in melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes for extra sweetness. You can also use almond or vanilla-mint extract for a softer flavor. Add red and green sprinkles to the dough for a colorful twist. For a richer touch, sandwich two cookies with vanilla frosting. Each variation keeps the spirit of Christmas while adding your own creative flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Baking Christmas Candy Cane Cookies fills your home with the sweet scent of peppermint and joy. These colorful twists are more than cookies; they’re a tradition you’ll want to keep. Share them with family, wrap them as gifts, or enjoy with cocoa by the fire. However you serve them, they bring warmth, smiles, and the magic of Christmas to every bite. For more festive ideas, visit my Pinterest page.