If you are looking for a delightful, festive treat that truly captures the spirit of the holiday season, this Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These charming cookies combine the classic peppermint flavor with a tender, buttery dough in a twisty candy cane shape that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, Christmas parties, or a cozy night by the fire, this recipe will quickly become a treasured tradition, spreading joy with every bite and filling your kitchen with the most wonderful holiday aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two small scoops of sorbet placed on a white marbled surface. The scoop on the left is bright red with a smooth and slightly textured surface, while the scoop on the right is pale yellow with a soft, creamy texture. Below the scoops lies a shiny silver measuring spoon labeled

Gathering the right ingredients for this Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look. From creamy butter to bright red food coloring, every component combines to make these cookies irresistible.

Butter: Use 1 cup of unsalted butter for a rich and tender base that melts in your mouth.
Sugar: 1 cup of granulated sugar adds the perfect sweetness that balances peppermint’s bite.
Powdered sugar: 1/4 cup powder sugar helps keep the dough soft and gives a delicate sweetness.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon enhances the overall flavor with a warm, familiar note.
Peppermint extract: 1 teaspoon gives that unmistakable festive flair with refreshing mintiness.
Egg: One egg binds everything beautifully for structure and moisture.
All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups provide the foundation for the cookie’s firm yet tender crumb.
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them light.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Red food coloring gel: Adds that classic candy cane pop of holiday red.
Crushed peppermint candies: 2 tablespoons for an extra burst of minty crunch.
Granulated sugar: Additional 2 tablespoons for sparkling, sweet garnish after baking.

How to Make Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by beating together the butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg in a large bowl on low speed until everything is just combined. This step is crucial because it ensures that the sugar and butter are well mixed, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.

Step 2: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing by hand here gives you control, preventing overworking the dough, which keeps your cookies tender instead of tough. The flour gives structure, and the baking powder ensures just a light lift.

Step 3: Divide and Color

Separate the dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring gel to one half until you achieve that vibrant candy cane red. Wrapping these two dough balls separately in plastic wrap and refrigerating for 3 to 4 hours is essential—it firms up the dough, making it much easier to roll and shape later.

Step 4: Prepare Peppermint Sugar

While your dough chills, combine the finely crushed peppermint candies with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar in a small bowl. This will be used to sprinkle over the cookies right after baking, adding festive sparkle and extra mint flavor.

Step 5: Shape the Candy Canes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To form each candy cane, take about 1 level teaspoon of white dough and 1 of red, rolling each into a 5-inch rope. Lay the two ropes side-by-side and twist them together carefully. Pinch the ends so the dough doesn’t unravel. Then, place them on an ungreased baking sheet and shape the top into the classic candy cane curve—a fun step that always brings smiles.

Step 6: Bake and Garnish

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are just lightly browned around the edges—this ensures they remain soft inside. As soon as you take them out of the oven, sprinkle your peppermint-sugar mix over the hot cookies. This step gives a beautiful frosted look and an extra burst of flavor. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

The image shows several candy cane-shaped cookies on a white tray placed over a white marbled surface with part of a red patterned cloth in the top left corner. Each cookie has two twisted layers, one bright red and one pale cream, spiraled evenly. The texture looks soft and slightly crumbly, with crushed light pink and white bits sprinkled on top, adding a rough texture over the smooth cookie layers. The candy canes have a gentle curve at one end and straight length on the other. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe even more spectacular, consider garnishing with a delicate drizzle of white chocolate or a few mini candy cane pieces. This not only ups the visual charm but also enhances the mint-chocolate combination that many adore during the holidays.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or a festive peppermint mocha. Their minty sweetness cuts through the richness of creamy drinks, making your holiday snack time absolutely magical.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies in whimsical ways, such as tied with a red satin ribbon on a decorative plate, nestled in clear cellophane bags with festive tags, or arranged artfully around a cheese platter at your holiday gathering. Presentation can turn a simple cookie into a memorable gift or centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and chewy for up to one week. Layer with parchment paper between cookies if stacking to prevent sticking and preserve the beautiful candy cane pattern.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the dough portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then shape and bake as usual. Baked cookies can also be frozen in airtight containers for up to two months.

Reheating

To bring your Christmas Candy Cane Cookies back to life after storage, warm them in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This restores their soft texture and fresh-from-the-oven warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular peppermint candy instead of crushed?

It’s best to use finely crushed peppermint candies to ensure even distribution and avoid large chunks that can affect the cookie texture. Crushing the candies yourself with a rolling pin or food processor works wonderfully.

Is there a substitute for red food coloring?

While red food coloring gel gives the traditional bright hue, natural alternatives like beet powder can be used if you prefer, though the color may be softer. Just keep in mind the visual impact might vary slightly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The texture might be a little different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the red and white dough from bleeding colors?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before shaping is key to preventing color bleeding. Also, twist the ropes gently and avoid overhandling the dough once colored.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger batch?

Absolutely. This Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe scales well; just be sure to double all ingredients evenly and consider chilling the dough in batches for best handling.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like the nostalgia and festive spirit that comes with baking these Christmas Candy Cane Cookies Recipe. From the first twist of the dough to the last minty bite, this is a recipe that brings warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create sweet memories that will be cherished year after year. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with love and delicious treats!