Description
Bright, festive, and full of classic holiday flavor, these Candy Cane Cookies are a must-bake treat for the season. With a soft buttery base, a hint of peppermint, and a beautiful red-and-white twist, they make a perfect addition to your Christmas dessert table, cookie exchange, or even a quick holiday snack. This easy recipe is fun to make with kids, freezer-friendly, and sure to impress with its nostalgic charm. Whether you're after new holiday baking ideas or festive food gifts, these cookies deliver on looks and flavor.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Red gel food coloring, as needed
¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red gel food coloring to the other half, mixing until evenly colored.
5. Wrap both doughs in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll 1 teaspoon each of red and plain dough into ropes about 4 inches long.
8. Twist one red and one white rope together, shape into a candy cane or ring, and pinch ends to seal.
9. Roll shaped cookies in granulated sugar and place on prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes until just set but not browned.
11. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Gel food coloring is best for rich color without adding extra liquid to the dough.
Always chill your dough — it makes shaping easier and prevents spreading.
If you want to ship these, use the ring shape instead of the cane for less breakage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: candy cane cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint cookies, Christmas baking, festive cookies