Description
Candy Cane Cookies are soft, buttery treats with a peppermint kiss, perfect for Christmas baking and gifting. This easy festive recipe swirls vanilla dough with peppermint and red coloring, then twists into classic candy cane shapes that bake quickly. Ideal for holiday trays, kid-friendly baking, and thoughtful gifts, these charming cookies bring festive cheer to family gatherings and seasonal celebrations in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Divide dough in half; tint one half red with food coloring.
- Roll small portions of each dough into thin ropes, twist together, and curve into candy cane shapes.
- Place on baking sheets and bake 8–10 minutes until set but not browned.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay soft.
- Divide dough evenly and tint one half red for the candy cane look.
- Store in an airtight container up to 1 week; freeze dough for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
- Sugar: 8 g per cookie
- Sodium: 63 mg per cookie
- Fat: 7.5 g per cookie
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g per cookie
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.3 g per cookie
- Trans Fat: 0 g per cookie
- Carbohydrates: 20 g per cookie
- Fiber: 0.4 g per cookie
- Protein: 2 g per cookie
- Cholesterol: 12 mg per cookie
Keywords: Candy Cane Cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies, easy recipe, butter cookies, mint cookies, gift ideas, bake and share