Description
These festive Candy Cane Cookies are a holiday favorite with a soft, buttery texture and a delicate peppermint twist. Shaped by hand and swirled into classic red and white, they deliver charm and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re looking for quick holiday cookie ideas, an easy recipe to gift friends, or a fun baking project with kids, these bring all the joy without the fuss. A must-have for your Christmas baking list and perfect for those craving nostalgic food ideas with a twist.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red food coloring
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract until combined.
3. Add the flour and salt gradually, mixing just until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough in half; tint one half with red food coloring and leave the other plain.
5. Chill both doughs for 30 minutes.
6. Roll small ropes of each color, twist them together, and shape into candy cane hooks.
7. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until just golden at the bottom.
8. Cool completely before handling to avoid breaking.
Notes
Chilling the dough makes it easier to shape and prevents spreading.
Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without thinning the dough.
Store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent breakage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: candy cane cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, peppermint cookies, easy cookie recipe