Candy Cane Cookies: Holiday Treat for Festive Gatherings

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Soft, buttery, and bursting with peppermint cheer, Candy Cane Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat that combines classic sugar cookie vibes with a festive twist. These beautiful ring-shaped cookies are adorned with red and white icing and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies, making them look like edible holiday wreaths.

Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, gift exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire, these cookies are as joyful to make as they are to eat. With their eye-catching design and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’ll quickly become a family tradition and a conversation starter at every gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Cookie Recipe

These cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but a delight for the eyes. Their soft texture, lightly sweet base, and cool peppermint crunch make them irresistible. The recipe is easy to follow, kid-friendly, and ideal for holiday baking with the family. Plus, you can get creative with decorations—adding drizzles, sprinkles, or chocolate if you like to mix things up.

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What Kind of Peppermint Candy Should I Use?

Crushed candy canes or peppermint hard candies both work great for topping these cookies. The key is to crush them finely so they adhere well to the icing and provide that perfect pop of minty flavor in every bite. Avoid using soft peppermint puffs as they don’t offer the same crunch and may melt oddly during baking.

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Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cookies

Each ingredient in this cookie recipe plays an important role in achieving the perfect holiday treat.

• Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their rich, tender texture and buttery flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a soft crumb.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and complements the peppermint.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds that signature minty flair to the cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structure base that holds the dough together.
• Baking Powder: Provides a bit of lift so the cookies are not too dense.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies the flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the icing drizzle.
• Milk: Loosens the icing for an easy drizzle consistency.
• Red Food Coloring: Adds festive red stripes.
• Crushed Candy Canes: Sprinkle on top for crunch and classic holiday flavor.

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How To Make the Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key to a soft cookie texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients to form your cookie dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small ropes and connect the ends to form a circle or wreath shape. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

Step 6: Decorate

Once cooled, drizzle with white icing and red-tinted icing. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes so they stick.

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How to Serve and Store Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies are best served at room temperature, where their texture is soft and buttery with a satisfying peppermint crunch on top. They make a perfect addition to any holiday cookie tray and look stunning on a dessert table.

This recipe makes about 20 cookies, making it ideal for small gatherings, cookie swaps, or gifting to friends and neighbors.

To store, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing to preserve the icing and peppermint topping.

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What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

Pair these cookies with a cozy mug of creamy hot chocolate for a truly festive treat.

Peppermint Mocha

Double down on the minty flavor with a rich peppermint mocha to enhance the cookie’s peppermint notes.

Eggnog

A classic holiday drink, eggnog complements the buttery richness of these cookies beautifully.

Christmas Coffee Blend

Try a spiced holiday coffee blend with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming beverage option.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip half the cookie in warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent twist.

Ice Cream

Serve crumbled cookies over vanilla or peppermint ice cream for a quick dessert.

Holiday Charcuterie Board

Add these cookies to a dessert board with chocolates, dried fruits, and nuts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before shaping and baking.

Can I use store-bought icing instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought white icing can be used for convenience. Just warm it slightly to make it easier to drizzle, and tint part of it red for the striped effect.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling isn’t necessary unless your kitchen is very warm and the dough is sticky. If so, a quick 15-minute chill will help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately to mimic the texture of traditional flour.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add chocolate drizzle or keep it classic? Did the kids help with the decorating?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore more of my recipes on Pinterest at Meals We Share By Sally.

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Conclusion

These Candy Cane Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—visually festive, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a party, or giving edible gifts, these cookies deliver joy in every bite.

With a simple sugar cookie base, vibrant decorations, and a refreshing peppermint crunch, they’ll become a staple in your seasonal baking rotation.

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