Candy Cane Cookies are a festive treat packed with a sweet, minty twist that captures the holiday spirit in every bite. These cookies usually have a soft, buttery texture with crushed candy canes mixed in or sprinkled on top, giving them a delightful crunch and that classic peppermint flavor we all love this time of year.
I love making these cookies because they’re as fun to bake as they are to eat. The colorful red and white swirls or the peppermint bits always make my kitchen feel extra cheerful. Plus, the smell of peppermint and sugar baking together fills the house with a cozy, happy vibe that I look forward to every season.
These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family or for decorating your holiday cookie platter. I like to serve them with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of cocoa, which makes the minty flavor feel even more special. They also make great little gifts when wrapped up in a pretty box or bag—it’s hard not to smile when you get one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives structure to your cookies. You can swap it with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option, just check that the blend includes a binder like xanthan gum.
Butter: Unsalted, softened butter is best for a tender, rich cookie. You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, but skip adding extra salt.
Red food coloring: It creates the classic candy cane stripes. You can try natural alternatives like beet juice powder, but the color might not be as bright.
Crushed peppermint candy canes: These add crunch and peppermint flavor. If you don’t have candy canes, crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract can work too (use extract sparingly).
How Do You Get the Perfect Candy Cane Shape and Stripes?
The signature look of these cookies comes from twisting two ropes of dough in different colors and shaping them just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Roll the plain and red dough into equal-sized ropes, about 6-7 inches long. Keep them even in thickness.
- Press the ropes together gently at one end.
- Twist the two ropes around each other, turning them 3-4 times to create the striped effect.
- Bend the twisted rope carefully into a candy cane “hook,” making sure not to crack the dough.
- If the dough feels soft, chill it for 5-10 minutes to help hold the shape better.
Doing this slowly and gently helps keep the stripes distinct and the cookie looking like a real candy cane after baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I like using a large bowl for creaming butter and sugar, and smaller ones for mixing dry ingredients.
- Electric mixer – makes beating the butter, sugar, and egg easy and quick.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
- Rolling pin – helps roll out the dough smoothly into equal ropes.
- Knife or pizza cutter – useful for cutting and shaping the dough into ropes.
- Cookie sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps cookies from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
- Cooling rack – cool cookies evenly and prevent sogginess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap peppermint candies with crushed wintergreen or spearmint candies for a different mint flavor.
- Add chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a sweeter twist.
- Mix in some chopped nuts, like almonds or peppermint bark pieces, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use different colors of food coloring to make striped cookies in green, red, or even gold for variety.
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red food coloring
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes (divided)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 10-12 minutes to bake. Cooling time is about 10 minutes, so plan for around 35 minutes total to have your Candy Cane Cookies ready to enjoy or share!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This keeps everything mixed evenly and ready for the dough.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms.
3. Color and Shape the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part plain, and mix red food coloring into the other until you get a nice even color. Then, take small portions from each, roll them into long ropes about 6-7 inches long, and twist one red rope and one plain rope together to create that classic candy cane stripe look.
4. Form and Decorate Your Candy Canes
Gently bend one end of each twisted rope into a hook shape to resemble a candy cane. Place them on your prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy canes and, if you like, some coarse sugar over the top to add extra crunch and festive sparkle.
5. Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until their edges just begin to turn golden. Take them out and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these buttery, festive treats with a lovely peppermint crunch and the cheerful red-and-white swirls perfect for holiday sharing!
Can I Use Gel Food Coloring Instead of Liquid?
Yes! Gel food coloring works great because it provides vibrant color without adding extra liquid that might affect the dough’s texture. Just knead it in evenly for bright red stripes.
How Do I Store Candy Cane Cookies to Keep Them Fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I Substitute Peppermint Extract for Crushed Candy Canes?
You can add a small amount of peppermint extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon) to the dough for mint flavor, but crushed candy canes add both flavor and crunchy texture that extract alone can’t replicate.
What Should I Do if My Dough Is Too Soft to Shape?
If your dough feels too sticky or soft to roll and twist, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This firms it up and makes shaping easier without losing the buttery texture.