Festive peppermint cookies with candy cane swirls
These candy cane cookies bring holiday cheer with their vibrant red and white peppermint swirls. Perfect for cookie exchanges or gifting, they're easy to make with kids and bake in under an hour!
Transform your holiday baking with these festive peppermint candy cane cookies. The soft buttery dough is swirled with red and white icing to create classic candy cane patterns. Kids will love helping with the decorating process, and the cookies make excellent edible gifts for neighbors and friends.
With a hint of vanilla and mint extract, these cookies combine the best of Christmas flavors. The recipe yields 24 cookies that are perfect for cookie trays, holiday parties, or even wrapping in cellophane bags for gift-giving.
The recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, including all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and peppermint extract. The icing creates the signature candy cane swirls that make these cookies stand out on any holiday platter.
Whether you're hosting a cookie exchange or just looking for a fun holiday baking project, these candy cane cookies are sure to be a hit. They freeze beautifully for make-ahead baking, making them perfect for busy holiday hosts.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick to Make
Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients and no special equipment needed. Kids can help with the decorating process.
Festive Presentation
Vibrant red and white peppermint swirls create eye-catching candy cane designs perfect for holiday gatherings.
Perfect Texture
Buttery, slightly crisp cookies with a soft center that holds the peppermint swirls beautifully.
Versatile Use
Great for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or gifting in festive packaging. Also makes excellent edible decorations.
Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Festive peppermint swirls with a hint of vanilla
Ingredients
- - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 tsp baking powder
- - 1/2 tsp salt
- - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- - 2 large eggs
- - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- - 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- - Red and white decorator icing (store-bought or homemade)
- - Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
💡 Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling to prevent spreading.
Roll and Cut: On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut dough into circles. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
💡 Use a small cookie press with a swirl attachment for professional-looking candy cane patterns.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before adding icing.
💡 Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning.
Swirl Icing: Using a toothpick or small knife, drizzle red and white icing in a candy cane pattern over each cookie. Add sprinkles if desired.
💡 For cleaner swirls, use a parchment paper template as a guide.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour
Provides structure and texture. For gluten-free version, use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Substitutions: Bread flour for chewier cookies, cake flour for softer texture.
Unsalted Butter
Adds rich flavor and helps with spreading. Room temperature butter ensures even mixing.
Substitutions: Salted butter (reduce added salt), coconut oil for dairy-free option.
Decorator Icing
Creates the signature candy cane swirls. Can be made from powdered sugar and water with food coloring.
Substitutions: Royal icing for longer shelf life, glaze for softer texture.
Peppermint Extract
Adds festive mint flavor. Can be substituted with crushed candy canes for extra texture.
Substitutions: Vanilla extract for classic cookies, almond extract for variation.
Pro Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies
Icing Techniques
Use a toothpick to create clean candy cane patterns. For precision, use parchment paper templates with candy cane shapes.
Dough Chilling
Chill dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking. For best results, chill overnight.
Baking Tips
Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even browning. Watch closely in last 2 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Gifting Ideas
Package cookies in cellophane bags with red and white bows. Add peppermint candies for a festive gift combo.
Variations & Customizations
Chocolate-Dipped Cane Cookies
Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for an extra festive touch.
Spiced Cane Cookies
Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the dough for warm holiday spices.
Mini Cane Cookies
Use a smaller cookie cutter to make bite-sized versions. Perfect for holiday party platters.
Edible Cookie Jars
Use large cookie cutters and decorate as cookie jars. Fill with small candies or chocolate pieces.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Hot cocoa with marshmallows
- Peppermint tea or coffee
- Christmas fruitcake
- Red velvet cake
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with spiced chai tea or mulled wine for a festive holiday pairing.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Dough can be made and chilled for up to 2 days. Icing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days. Add parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezer Storage
Baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating Instructions
Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. For warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much?
A: Dough was not chilled properly. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking. Measure butter accurately - too much will cause spreading.
Q: My icing is too runny. What should I do?
A: Add more powdered sugar gradually until desired consistency is reached. For royal icing, add meringue powder for better consistency.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use certified gluten-free flour blend. You may need to add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum for better structure.
Q: How to keep cookies fresh longer?
A: Store in airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. Add a small silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
Final Thoughts
These candy cane cookies are the perfect combination of fun and functionality for your holiday baking. The vibrant colors and festive shapes make them a crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering.
Whether you're making them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply to enjoy with your family, these peppermint swirl cookies will bring joy to all who taste them. The simple recipe and beautiful presentation make them a must-make this Christmas season.
