Festive Candy Cane Cookies : The Perfect Holiday Treat for Your December Baking

Nothing says the holidays like a plate of Candy Cane Cookies—bright, swirled, peppermint-flavored treats that look just as magical as they taste. These cookies are buttery and tender, with just the right hint of peppermint, and their charming red-and-white twist makes them a standout on any Christmas cookie platter.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party, looking for a December Candy Cane baking project, or in need of a joyful giftable treat, these cookies deliver nostalgia, flavor, and fun. This recipe for candy cane cookies is simple enough to make with kids and festive enough to impress everyone at the cookie exchange.

If you’re wondering how to make candy cane cookies that look professional but require no special equipment, you’re in the right place.

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Why These Candy Cane Xmas Cookies Are a December Must-Bake

Candy Cane Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a tradition. With their iconic red-and-white twist and sweet minty flavor, they capture the essence of the holiday season.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Visually stunning: The red and white dough twisted into candy canes is always a showstopper
• Festive flavor: Peppermint and vanilla create that classic holiday taste
• Great for gifting: These cookies are sturdy and beautiful—perfect for packaging
• Kid-friendly: A fun and hands-on recipe for holiday baking with little helpers
• Customizable: Add chocolate, glaze, or edible glitter for creative spins

Pair them with a mug of homemade hot cocoa, or include them in a cookie box alongside treats like Pumpkin Truffles or Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups for variety.

Ingredients for Candy Cane Cookies

This recipe makes about 36 cookies.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring

Optional:

• Crushed peppermint candies for garnish
• White chocolate drizzle or candy melts for decoration

These peppermint cane cookies have a similar buttery base to sugar cookies, but with the holiday flair that reminds you of traditional candy cane twist candies.

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How To Make Candy Cane Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until fluffy. This helps ensure a tender cookie.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough forms.

Step 4: Divide and Tint

Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and tint the other with red food coloring. Wrap each dough half in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Take a small piece of red dough and a small piece of white dough. Roll each into a rope about 4–5 inches long. Twist together gently and curve the top to form the shape of a candy cane.

Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, about 2 inches apart.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 9–10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Do not overbake—these cookies should stay soft.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Cool cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Optional: sprinkle with crushed candy canes or drizzle with melted white chocolate.

Now your peppermint candy cane cookies are ready to steal the show!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for the Perfect Candy Cane Twist

This is a low-tech recipe—no cookie cutters needed!

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling racks
• Plastic wrap (for chilling dough)

If you’re looking for other easy, festive recipes that don’t require fancy gear, try these Halloween Brownies or Mini Halloween Pizzas.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Candy Cane Cookies

• Chill your dough: This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Roll evenly: Keep your dough ropes even in size for uniform cookies.
• Go easy on food coloring: A few drops go a long way.
• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Watch the bake time: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.

For more Christmas baking tips, check out how to make Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl—a cozy treat perfect for holiday mornings.

Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid With Candy Cane Cookies

Even simple recipes have pitfalls. Avoid these:

• Overworking the dough: This leads to tough cookies
• Adding too much peppermint: A little goes a long way
• Twisting too tightly: Can cause cracks in the cookies
• Skipping the chill: Dough that’s too soft will spread

If you love no-fail holiday recipes, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another festive favorite.

Variations: Mint Candy Cane Cookies, Chocolate Dips, and More

These cookies are easy to customize:

• Mint Candy Cane Cookies: Use mint extract instead of peppermint for a subtler flavor.
• Chocolate-Dipped Candy Canes: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate.
• Sparkling Candy Cane Cookies: Roll dough ropes in sanding sugar before baking.
• Swirled Cookie Recipe: Instead of twisting, press dough together and slice for a marbled look.

You could even sandwich two cookies with marshmallow fluff for a fun twist on a DIY s’mores cookie recipe.

How to Make No Bake S’mores Cookies (Alternative Option)

Want a no-oven-required alternative? Try this simple method:

1. Mix crushed graham crackers, mini marshmallows, and melted chocolate.
2. Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.
3. Chill until firm.

It’s not a traditional chocolate marshmallow swirl cookie, but it’s a fun, fast alternative when you need a treat in a hurry.

For more no-bake fun, check out Pumpkin Fluff Dip—perfect for snacking while your cookies cool!

How to Store Candy Cane Cookies During the Holiday Season

To keep your cookies fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Make-ahead tip: Freeze unbaked dough ropes for quick baking later.

Add them to your holiday cookie boxes alongside treats like Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet gift combo.

Great Gifting Ideas With December Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are ideal for holiday gifting:

• Wrap in clear cellophane bags with ribbon
• Pack in holiday tins with parchment layers
• Pair with a cocoa mix or Lavender Lemonade for a gift basket

They’re festive, flavorful, and travel well.

Serving Suggestions for Candy Cane Twist Cookies

Serve these cookies with:

• Hot cocoa with whipped cream
• Spiced holiday teas
• Peppermint mocha or lattes
• A side of Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip for your cookie platter

Great for holiday brunches, dessert tables, or as a cozy after-dinner treat.

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Candy Cane Cookies FAQs: Answering Your Most Common Questions

Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
Yes, but peppermint oil is stronger. Use only a few drops.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Your dough may be too warm. Chill longer before baking.

Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes—gel or plant-based colors work well.

Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap dough tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I make them gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Fun for the Whole Family: Candy Cane Cookie Decorating Ideas

Let kids decorate their own cookies with:

• Icing pens
• Sprinkles
• Edible glitter
• Colored sugar

Make it a holiday activity—just like decorating Rice Krispie Treat Ghosts or Cockroach Cupcakes for Halloween.

Pair These Cookies With Hot Cocoa and Cozy Holiday Drinks

These cookies go great with:

• Hot chocolate
• Peppermint lattes
• Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew
• Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte

Or for a wholesome breakfast pairing, try with Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal and coffee.

📌 Save This Recipe for Candy Cane Cookies & Share the Holiday Cheer!

These Candy Cane Cookies are a classic holiday bake with a festive twist. Sweet, buttery, and lightly minty, they bring holiday cheer to every bite. Bake them with your kids, share them with your neighbors, or save them for Santa!

Don’t forget to share this recipe and tag us when you bake! And for more delicious seasonal recipes, subscribe to our newsletter for weekly inspiration.

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