Festive Candy Cane Cookies – A Holiday Favorite Everyone Loves!

There’s something undeniably magical about the holiday season—the twinkling lights, the scent of pine and cinnamon, and of course, the joy of baking. These Festive Candy Cane Cookies are a whimsical tribute to the season, combining buttery vanilla-mint flavor with a soft, tender crumb and a charming red-and-white twist that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a cookie exchange, or simply looking to add a little extra cheer to your dessert table, these cookies are a must-have. They’re fun to shape, easy to bake, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Classic holiday flavor – A blend of vanilla and peppermint that tastes just like Christmas.
Beautiful presentation – Twisted red and white dough shaped into candy canes.
Fun to make – A great baking project for families and festive gatherings.
Perfect for gifting – Wrap in cellophane or tuck into cookie tins for a homemade holiday treat.
Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and bake fresh when needed.

Ingredients

This recipe makes about 24 cookies.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon peppermint extract
2½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Red gel food coloring
Granulated sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Tip: Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is key to creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just until the flour is absorbed.

Step 3: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough evenly into two portions.

Leave one portion plain (white). Add red gel food coloring to the second portion and mix until the color is evenly distributed. Start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve a festive red hue.

Wrap each dough portion in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This helps firm up the dough, making it easier to shape.

Step 4: Shape the Candy Canes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Take a small piece (about 1 teaspoon) of each dough color. Roll each into a 4-inch rope.

Place the red and white ropes side by side and gently twist them together. Curve the top to form a candy cane shape.

Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Tip: If the dough becomes too soft while shaping, return it to the fridge for a few minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The cookies should remain pale for that classic candy cane look.

Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar if desired.

Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: ~24 cookies
Calories: ~110 kcal per cookie (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use gel food coloring for a bold red that won’t water down your dough.
Chill the dough to make shaping easier and prevent spreading.
Roll ropes evenly for consistent baking and appearance.
Don’t overbake – cookies should be soft and tender, not crisp.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Peppermint: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the red dough for a chocolatey twist.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sparkle Finish: Roll shaped cookies in sanding sugar before baking for extra shimmer.
Mini Candy Canes: Make smaller versions for bite-sized treats.
Flavor Twist: Swap peppermint extract for almond or orange extract for a unique spin.

Perfect For…

Holiday cookie exchanges
Christmas Eve baking traditions
Edible gifts and stocking stuffers
Decorating cookie platters
Festive baking with kids
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Final Thoughts

These Festive Candy Cane Cookies are a joyful addition to any holiday celebration. With their nostalgic flavor, eye-catching design, and soft, buttery texture, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re baking them for loved ones or simply to enjoy with a mug of hot cocoa, these cookies bring a little extra magic to the most wonderful time of the year.