Go Back
Delicious Candy Cane Cookies decorated with red and green stripes for the holidays.

Candy Cane Cookies

These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday classic, featuring a delightful peppermint flavor and an iconic swirled design. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm drink.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookies
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • few drops red food coloring
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Making the Dough
  1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to form a soft dough.
  3. Divide the dough in half; leave one half plain and mix red food coloring into the other until evenly colored.
  4. Wrap each dough half separately and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Take small pieces from both plain and red doughs, roll each into a 6-inch rope, twist them together, and bend to form a cane shape.
  3. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  4. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For extra festive flair, sprinkle with crushed candy canes immediately after baking while the cookies are still warm.