You know as moms, our kitchens are the heart of our homes – a place where comfort meets chaos. My first time making Candy Cane Cookies was a happy accident born out of that chaos. It was the week before Christmas, and with school holidays kicking off, I was scrambling to find festive baked treats that the kids and their friends would love. I’d heard whispers about peppermint sugar cookies with that classic swirl look, and decided to give it a go. The family’s reactions surprised me—the kids lit up over the mint flavored cookies, and even my picky eater asked for seconds! This simple Candy Cane Cookies recipe quickly became our seasonal go-to. It wasn’t just about cookies; it was about creating a moment of calm comfort in the busy holiday rush.
Over time, I tweaked the recipe to fit what my busy family enjoys—less sugar, a hint more vanilla, and sometimes a dash of cocoa for fun. These homemade Christmas cookies bring a cozy energy to our kitchen and table that no store-bought treat could match. If you’re a fellow comfort seeker juggling the holiday madness, let me invite you to try out these Candy Cane Cookies. They’re not complicated, and the joy they bring is a beautiful reward for busy moms like us.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring
- Optional: crushed candy canes for topping
No worries if you don’t have peppermint extract tucked away — I sometimes use a couple of drops of mint oil or even a splash of peppermint syrup, and my family gets extra comfort in the flavor of these Candy Cane Cookies because of it. You can find all these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store, so no last-minute panic trips. These Candy Cane Cookies prove delicious doesn’t mean expensive. If you want to keep it budget-friendly, swap out the unsalted butter for margarine or a butter blend, and they still turn out great.
To save time, I prep my dry ingredients ahead in a ziplock bag, so mixing these peppermint sugar cookies on a busy afternoon takes just minutes. The baking soda and powder give the cookies that perfect texture — soft but with a slight bite, just like homemade Christmas cookies should be. This peppermint twist adds a holiday flair that fills the home with cozy warmth.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is quick but critical for preventing sticky Candy Cane Cookies messes.
- In a small bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. This dry mix will give your Candy Cane Cookies the right fluff and hold.
- In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic starts — you want a creamy base for your festive baked treats.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Your kitchen will start to smell like holiday heaven here.
- Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until it becomes dough — perfect for shaping into those iconic Candy Cane Cookies.
- Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain, and tint the other half with red food coloring. This step creates the classic red and white swirl. Don’t worry if the color appears uneven — that adds character!
- Roll both colored doughs into long ropes about ½ inch thick. Then twist the ropes together, shaping them into the candy cane form. If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands with flour — this makes rolling a breeze.
- Place your Candy Cane Cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space to spread. Bake for about 8–10 minutes. Your home will soon be filled with that mint flavored cookies aroma that feels like a warm hug.
- When cool, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra festive sparkle. My kids love this step because it makes the cookies look like holiday magic!
While your Candy Cane Cookies bake, it’s a great time to prep school lunches or let the kids do their holiday crafts nearby. This Candy Cane Cookies recipe usually takes about 20–30 minutes total, which fits perfectly around busy family life. Don’t worry if some cookies spread more or look different — that’s part of the homemade charm!
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family loves enjoying these Candy Cane Cookies after dinner with a cozy cup of hot cocoa. The kids say the mint flavored cookies feel like a little peppermint party on their tongues! For a kid-approved side, I serve fresh fruit slices or simple vanilla yogurt, balancing sweetness with a healthy snack. These festive baked treats shine during holiday cookie swaps, school parties, or just a weekend afternoon snack to brighten spirits.
Presentation is simple but fun: arrange the Candy Cane Cookies on a festive plate, maybe add a sprig of pine or holly for a holiday touch. Leftover cookies? They keep beautifully in an airtight container for days and are perfect for lunchbox treats. Sometimes I crumble them over ice cream for a holiday twist, which the whole family devours.
I’ve tried seasonal variations by adding a hint of cocoa powder to the dough or swapping peppermint for orange extract for a citrus twist. Neighbors and friends always comment on how these homemade Christmas cookies bring warmth and joy to the table. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my cheerful Halloween Crinkle Cookies or Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies for year-round comfort too!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Candy Cane Cookies filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The cookie’s a sweet treat but with enough butter and sugar, they fill little bellies well — great for that after-school hunger. Paired with a glass of milk or a piece of fruit, it’s a balanced snack that keeps energy up.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Candy Cane Cookies?
I’ve been there! Sometimes I hide these peppermint sugar cookies pieces in a lunchbox with something they love, like peanut butter or cheese. The mint flavor is mild but noticeable, and once they try these festive baked treats in a low-pressure setting, they usually come back for more.
Can I meal prep this Candy Cane Cookies for busy weeks ahead?
Yes! These Candy Cane Cookies freeze beautifully — just wrap them in foil and pop into freezer bags. When you need a quick snack, thaw on the counter or warm for a minute. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out recipes like this Candy Cane Cookies Recipe which includes easy prep tips.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Definitely. You’ll get plain peppermint sugar cookies which still taste amazing and are homemade Christmas cookies everyone will love.
How do I keep the Candy Cane Cookies soft?
Store in an airtight container after cooling, and avoid overbaking. Typically, 8 minutes is perfect, so the cookies stay tender but set.
Have you tried any shortcuts?
Yes! I sometimes skip twisting the dough and instead press candy cane shapes with cookie cutters. It saves time but still gives that festive look — perfect for a quick dinnertime win.
Where did you first find this recipe?
I adapted mine from My Candy Cane Cookies which was originally from Betty Crocker’s collection. It was a great base for my family’s flavor preferences and comfort food needs.
Final Thoughts:
This Candy Cane Cookies recipe supports my family’s comfort food goals by being simple, festive, and filled with that homey peppermint flavor everyone adores. My Candy Cane Cookies Comfort Hacks include: prepping ingredients in advance, swapping peppermint extract for syrup in a pinch, and freezing extra dough for quick baking sessions. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed family-tested Candy Cane Cookies variations like classic peppermint, chocolate-infused, and even orange-mint—the kids each have their favorite!
I encourage you to make this recipe your own way, adding what your family loves and adjusting flavors to suit your cozy kitchen. I hope these Candy Cane Cookies bring warmth and calm to your family’s mealtime during the hectic holiday season. Remember, it’s the simple moments of sharing homemade Christmas cookies like these that create lasting memories.
For more crowd-pleasing comfort food recipes, don’t forget to peek at Candy Corn Poke Cake and others you and your family will cherish this season.
Sending warm kitchen hugs and happy baking to all my fellow busy moms!
Candy Cane Cookies
Delight in festive Candy Cane Cookies featuring a peppermint-flavored twist on classic buttery sugar cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
- Red and white food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide dough into two portions; add red food coloring to one portion and leave the other plain.
- Roll small amounts of each dough into ropes, then twist together to resemble candy canes.
- Shape twisted ropes into candy cane shapes and place on prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie, gently pressing them into the dough.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra peppermint flavor, drizzle melted white chocolate over the cookies once cooled.