Description
Celebrate the holidays with these **Candy Cane Cookies**—a festive, buttery treat that looks just as magical as it tastes. Twisted red and white cookie dough creates a peppermint-inspired swirl that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat. Perfect for **easy holiday baking**, **cookie exchanges**, or **gifting**, this recipe brings festive cheer in every bite. These cookies are a show-stopping addition to your **Christmas dessert table**, and a fun baking project to enjoy with kids. Whether you’re looking for **holiday cookie ideas**, a **quick dessert recipe**, or **fun food ideas for winter**, these cookies check all the boxes.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract optional
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Red gel food coloring
Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
1. Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract (if using), and beat until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients to form a soft dough.
4. Divide the dough in half. Leave one portion plain and color the other with red gel food coloring.
5. Wrap both dough portions and chill in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes.
6. Roll equal pieces of red and white dough into ropes, twist together, and form into candy cane or wreath shapes.
7. Roll shaped cookies in granulated sugar and place them on a lined baking sheet.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until the bottoms begin to lightly brown.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough before shaping to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading.
Use gel food coloring for vivid color without altering dough texture.
Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay light in color for a soft texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Holiday Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: holiday cookies, candy cane cookies, Christmas baking, festive cookie recipe, peppermint cookie, butter cookie, kid-friendly holiday treat, easy dessert recipe