As the holiday season approaches, there’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. It brings back memories of cozy gatherings, laughter, and, of course, the sweet joy of indulging in festive treats. One of my favorite traditions is baking Candy Cane Cookies—these delightful, twisty confections are not only beautiful but also bursting with that classic peppermint flavor that screams Christmas! They’re the kind of cookies that bring everyone together, create smiles, and fill your home with a sense of holiday cheer.
Every year, I look forward to this cookie-baking ritual. It’s a simple recipe that’s easy to follow, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting out in the kitchen. And let me tell you, the joy of rolling those little cookie ropes together and twisting them into candy canes is an experience in itself. So, grab your favorite holiday playlist, gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into the sweet world of Candy Cane Cookies!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love Bake These Candy Cane Cookies Once… and You’ll Make Them Every Year ❤️🍪
These Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a delightful holiday tradition that will fill your heart with warmth. Here’s why you’ll want to make them every year:
- They bring a festive spirit to any gathering, making them perfect for holiday parties or cozy family nights.
- The combination of buttery dough and refreshing peppermint is simply irresistible—who can say no to that?
- They’re easy to make, even for beginner bakers, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- These cookies look stunning on a platter, adding a pop of color to your holiday dessert table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to baking, I believe in using real ingredients that are easy to find and make a big difference in flavor. For these Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
- Red food coloring (optional)
You’ll find the full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below!
How to Make Bake These Candy Cane Cookies Once… and You’ll Make Them Every Year ❤️🍪, Step-by-Step
Ready to get started? Here’s how you can create these delightful cookies, step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush!
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until everything is well combined. The scents will start to fill your kitchen—so good!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
- Now, divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add a few drops of red food coloring to the other half, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. This is where you can get creative!
- Take small pieces from each dough color and roll them into ropes about 6 inches long. Twist one red and one plain rope together to form a candy cane shape. This part is so fun—let your inner child shine!
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for that extra holiday flair.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your festive candy cane cookies! Share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Here are a few tips to ensure your Candy Cane Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. This will give your cookies that wonderful texture!
- If you want a more intense peppermint flavor, consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you find your dough too soft to shape; pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
Serving Suggestions
These Candy Cane Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few creative serving ideas:
- Arrange them on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies for a beautiful dessert table.
- Serve them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Wrap them in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Want to enjoy these cookies longer? Here’s how to store them:
- Store your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and tasty!
- If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked shaped cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Leftover cookies can also be frozen for later enjoyment—just make sure they’re well-wrapped!
Bake These Candy Cane Cookies Once… and You’ll Make Them Every Year ❤️🍪
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheet with parchment.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in egg, vanilla, and almond extracts.
- Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder; gradually add to wet mixture. Divide dough, color half with red food coloring.
- Roll small ropes from each dough, twist red and plain to form candy canes. Place on sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool before serving.
Notes
Loved this recipe? Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it later! It’s the perfect way to keep all your sweet ideas in one place. ✨
