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Candy Cane Cookies are a deliciously fun baking project for cookie lovers of all ages.
There’s so much to love about these candy cane cookies! The festive shape is fun and eye-catching, and the flavor is fantastic. With the perfect hint of peppermint and a crunchy sugar coating, these easy to eat cookies are worth every minute it takes to make them.
Are candy cane cookies hard to make?
These peppermint cookies are not difficult to make, but they do take a little time to roll into the festive candy cane shape. Invite your favorite little bakers to help and make quick work of the recipe. You’ll have about 50 cookies to share, which means there’s plenty for everyone.
Can you freeze these candy cane cookies?
These candy cane cookies freeze beautifully and even retain their nice crispy exterior! Layer between wax or parchment paper and freeze in a well sealed airtight container, until needed. Once thawed these cookies will keep for up to a week, if stored in a cool location.
Is it okay to make the cookie dough ahead of time?
The cookie dough can be made and refrigerated for up to three days before it’s needed. Wrap the finished dough(s) in plastic wrap and refrigerate in a large zipper bag. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before rolling and shaping. Once the cookies are formed into candy canes, refrigerate for at least 30-minutes before baking.
Use the peppermint extract sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
I’ve used a combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts for these sugar cookies. You’ll only need 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to achieve the perfect flavor. Don’t be tempted to go overboard with the peppermint extract. More is not better, in this case.
Use good quality butter.
For the best flavor use a good quality unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe. When baking during the holidays I like to splurge a little and buy European style butter for all my cookie recipes. The flavor and creaminess can’t be beat!
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Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g or 8 ounces)
- 1 ounce cream cheese, room temperature (28g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (222g)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (393g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For finishing the cookies:
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
- ¾ cup granulated sugar for rolling (170g)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl beat butter and cream cheese together with an electric mixer until well blended. Add 1 cup of sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla and peppermint extracts. Beat until combined.
- In a small bowl whisk together the flour and salt. Add half the flour mixture to the butter and sugar and blend on low until incorporated. Add the remaining flour and beat until a soft dough forms.
- Transfer half the dough to a clean bowl. (A scale is helpful to ensure it’s divided equally.) Add the red food coloring and blend until no streaks remain.
- Pour the remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar into a pie plate.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Scoop out 1 teaspoon of the uncolored dough and roll into a 4-inch rope. Scoop out 1 teaspoon of the red dough and also roll into a 4-inch rope. Lay the ropes side-by-side and gently roll the two ropes together to adhere, taking care to keep the length at about 4-inches.
- Transfer the rope to the granulated sugar and roll to coat. Twist the rope a few times and transfer to the baking sheet. Form into a candy cane by curving one end into a hook. Repeat with remaining dough spacing the cookies 1-inch apart.
- Refrigerate the unbaked cookies for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until firm to the touch and just starting to brown around the edges. For best results, do not over-bake. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack and cool completely. (Optional: while the cookies are hot from the oven, sprinkle with additional sugar, if desired. The sugar will melt on the hot cookie and adhere.)
Recipe Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Freeze in a well-sealed container for longer storage.
- Don’t be tempted to add more peppermint extract. A little goes a long way.
- Use good quality butter like European style, for best results.
Nutrition
Featured ingredient: Peppermint Extract
We’re big fans of Nielsen-Massey extracts, and this peppermint is no exception. Their delicious peppermint extract is made from mint grown with strict quality standards. It’s all-natural, allergen-free, non-GMO project verified and certified kosher and gluten-free. Ingredients: Alcohol (95%) Peppermint Oil. Click on the photo for more information or to purchase from Amazon. Make sure you are using peppermint extract in these cookies, not spearmint.
Saving Room for Dessert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program ~ I earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you, which I use to pay for web hosting and services for this blog.
Here are a few more recipes you might also enjoy:
Spritz Cookies
Peppermint Meltaways
Joann C Moe says
I hope you have a suggestion for me. I feel like I followed the recipe exactly, but the dough was too soft . It was hard to roll and then broke when I tried to twist it. I added a bit more flour and then I couldn’t get a coil to form with out separating. I cooked some that I hand formed which the family said were great to eqt even if they were odd looking. I put half the dough in the refrigerator in hopes it will roll out when cold. Any suggestion would be appreciated. I have fond memories of making these with my mom in the 1050’s.
thanks
Joann
Tricia Buice says
Hi Joann. Sorry you had trouble making these cookies. The only thing I can think of is that you used an extra-large egg maybe or mis-measured your flour. The cookie dough recipe is exactly like our cut-out sugar cookie dough which I’ve been making for decades. Once the dough is well chilled, you’ll need to let it soften a bit before rolling. If it softens too much, place it back in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Adding more flour kept the two pieces from joining together. I hope you’ll try again or try with any remaining dough you have. Don’t use too much flour on the rolling surface. If the dough is too cold it will split. Again, let it rest for a few minutes and try again. Humidity and the temperature inside your home can affect the timing. Good luck and happy holidays!
Lin says
Do I have to use peppermint extract in the candy cane cookie ?
Tricia Buice says
Hi Lin. No you can use vanilla or whatever kind of flavoring you want. I don’t recommend spearmint, however. The taste is not at all like peppermint. Enjoy!
Barb says
Hello! Would you be able to tell me what an ounce of cream cheese is in teaspoons or tablespoons?
I don,t have a scale an am a bad estimator. Thanks! I am also going to make those almond bars of yours, they look delicious.
Tricia Buice says
Hi Barb. In the United States cream cheese is usually sold in 8-ounce boxes with the ounces marked on the inside foil package. Much like butter is marked with tablespoons, cream cheese is divided by ounces. If you don’t have the package measure out 2 well rounded tablespoons of cream cheese and you should be good to go! Enjoy 🙂
MarciaB says
1 ounce cream cheese = 3 tbls (9 tsp)
Pam says
Nothing beats a good cookie and I love this one! Tasty and pretty! Like the mug too!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Pam! Have a wonderful holdall season 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
What a fun cookie and so perfect with a mug of hot chocolate! They’d be great cookies to leave for Santa!
Tricia Buice says
Thanks Chris – we have some of these cookies in the freezer ready to deploy on Christmas Eve. Have a blessed holiday season!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
These are just the cutest cookies ever! I’m loving all of the cookies you’re sharing and you’ve given me lots of holiday baking inspiration 🙂
Tricia Buice says
Thank you Jennifer! These are a fun baking project, especially with a little helper 🙂