Candy Cane Cookies – Food Meld
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Few cookies say Christmas magic quite like these Candy Cane Cookies. With their red-and-white swirls, buttery flavor, and a hint of peppermint, they bring festive cheer to any holiday gathering. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or baking with kids, these cookies are a holiday tradition that combines fun, flavor, and festive spirit.
Why You’ll Love These Candy Cane Cookies
- Festive look – instantly recognizable as holiday favorites.
- Fun to make with kids – shaping candy canes is interactive and creative.
- Buttery shortbread texture – melts in your mouth.
- Peppermint perfection – just the right touch of holiday flavor.
What Are Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies shaped into candy canes, with one portion of dough colored red and the other left plain. They’re twisted together and lightly flavored with peppermint extract, then decorated with crushed candy canes or sparkling sugar.
Ingredients (Exact)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Crushed candy canes (for topping)
How to Make Candy Cane Cookies
- Make dough – Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Add dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Divide & color – Split dough in half. Tint one half red with food coloring, leave the other plain. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape canes – Roll small ropes of red and plain dough. Twist one red and one plain rope together, then curve the top to form a candy cane shape.
- Bake – Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set but not browned.
- Decorate – While warm, sprinkle with crushed candy canes for sparkle and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Flavor swap – use almond extract instead of peppermint for a twist.
- Glitter finish – sprinkle with sanding sugar before baking for sparkle.
- Make ahead – dough can be refrigerated for 2–3 days or frozen.
- Kid-friendly – let kids roll and twist the dough for fun baking memories.
FAQs
How do I keep the dough from breaking when twisting?
Chill the dough but don’t over-chill—slightly soft dough twists best.
Can I freeze Candy Cane Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze both the dough (shaped, unbaked) or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
Do they taste strongly of peppermint?
The peppermint is subtle but refreshing. You can adjust to your taste by adding more or less extract.
Conclusion
These Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday must-bake. Buttery, colorful, and full of festive cheer, they’re as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or Santa himself, they’re guaranteed to spread holiday joy.
