Festive, Fun, and Unforgettably Delicious
These Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies are one of my favorite holiday treats to make—and one of the most requested! They're soft, buttery sugar cookies flavored with peppermint extract, twisted into cute edible candy canes, and dipped in crushed peppermint for that perfect festive crunch. The best part? They look beautifully complicated but are shockingly easy to make.
Every December, customers start asking weeks ahead if these will be available again. They're great for Christmas parties, gift boxes, classroom treats, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying at home with hot chocolate. These cookies bring the holiday spirit instantly—every bite tastes like Christmas morning.
What makes these cookies extra special is the simple but eye-catching design. By coloring half the dough red and keeping half natural, then rolling and twisting them together, you get a stunning candy cane swirl with very little effort. Kids love helping twist the dough, and adults love how nostalgic and cheerful they look.
If you're looking for a holiday cookie that's both impressive and beginner-friendly, this is the recipe you'll come back to year after year. They're soft—not crunchy—so they stay delicious for days and pack beautifully for shipping or gifting. Plus, the peppermint aroma while they bake is absolutely magical.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Soft, buttery, and perfectly peppermint-flavored
- Festive colors with a beautiful twisted shape
- Fun for kids to help make
- Great for gifts, parties, events, and cookie boxes
- Simple ingredients and no special tools required
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red gel food coloring
- Optional: crushed peppermint pieces for dipping
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix until combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. Leave one part plain and color the other red.
- Roll each color into thin ropes. Twist one red rope and one white rope together, then bend the top to form a candy cane shape.
- Place on a baking sheet and chill 10–15 minutes to help hold their shape.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or until set but not browned.
- Dip the tops into melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint, if desired.
💡 Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
- Use gel food coloring so the dough doesn't get sticky.
- Chill before baking so the canes keep their shape.
- Don't overbake—they should stay soft, not crispy.
- Make them ahead—they stay fresh up to one week in an airtight container.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight freezer-safe container. The beauty of these cookies is that they stay soft and delicious even after several days, making them perfect for baking in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 1 month. Just thaw before using.
What's the best way to color the dough?
Use gel food coloring rather than liquid coloring, as it won't make your dough sticky. Mix it in thoroughly for an even red color.
Can I use extract-free peppermint flavoring?
You can substitute with mint extract or use additional vanilla, but peppermint extract gives the best festive flavor for these cookies.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill the shaped cookies for at least 10–15 minutes before baking. You can also refrigerate the dough between batches.
Can I make these cookies without the red coloring?
Absolutely! You can make all-white peppermint cookies, or use green food coloring for a different festive look.
What's the best peppermint topping option?
Crushed candy canes or peppermint bark work beautifully. Dip the baked, cooled cookies into melted white chocolate first, then press into the crushed peppermint.
🎁 Craving these peppermint candy cane cookies?
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