Magical Candy Cane Cookies Recipe – Easy Christmas Holiday Dessert Idea
Magical candy cane cookies are the ultimate festive treat! With red and white swirled dough shaped into candy canes, these cookies are sweet, whimsical, and perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, or cookie exchanges. A fun recipe that brings holiday magic to your dessert table.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (or plant butter for vegan)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Red food coloring
- ½ cup crushed candy canes (finely crushed)
- Optional: melted chocolate or white chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Divide & Color: Split dough in half. Tint one half with red food coloring. Chill again for firmness.
- Shape Candy Canes: Roll ropes of red and plain dough. Twist together into swirls and curve into candy cane shapes. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool & Decorate: Cool completely. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes or drizzle with melted chocolate.
Notes
- Dip in chocolate for indulgence.
- Add white chocolate chips for creaminess.
- Vegan option: use plant butter and flax egg.
- Gluten-free: substitute almond flour or GF blend.
- Make mini candy cane cookies for bite-sized treats.