Nothing says the holidays like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cookies. Easy Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect blend of buttery, soft cookie dough and minty peppermint, delivering a treat that is both festive and irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting friends and family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are a must-have in your holiday recipe collection.

With a simple recipe, minimal ingredients, and quick preparation, even novice bakers can create these charming peppermint delights. The iconic red-and-white swirls of candy canes not only add a festive touch but also give every bite a refreshing peppermint punch.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 tsp peppermint extract (optional for extra peppermint flavor)
0.25 cup crushed candy canes

Optional Toppings / Mix-Ins

Extra crushed candy canes for sprinkling
Mini chocolate chips for a festive twist

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in crushed candy canes gently.
Form Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake to maintain a soft center.
Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Decoration: Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top while cookies are still slightly warm for extra festive flair.
Serve and Enjoy: These cookies are perfect for gifting, serving at holiday gatherings, or enjoying with a glass of milk by the fire.

Tips for Perfect Candy Cane Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and egg are at room temperature for even mixing and better texture.
Crushed Candy Cane Size: Crush candy canes into small, uniform pieces to prevent sharp shards that could cut your mouth.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Freeze extra dough or baked cookies for longer storage.
Soft vs. Crispy: Slightly underbake for softer cookies. Bake a minute or two longer for a crisper edge.

Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and fold in mini chocolate chips.
Peppermint Sandwich Cookies: Spread a thin layer of white chocolate ganache or buttercream between two cookies for a festive sandwich.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. The texture will remain soft and chewy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside hot cocoa or a peppermint latte for a festive treat.
Arrange cookies on a holiday platter with fresh evergreen sprigs and ornaments for an impressive dessert display.
Wrap a few cookies in cellophane with a ribbon as a sweet, homemade holiday gift.

Fun Facts About Candy Canes

Candy canes date back to the 17th century in Europe, originally white and shaped like shepherd’s crooks to symbolize the nativity.
The red stripes were added in the 19th century, along with peppermint flavoring.
Breaking candy canes and adding them to cookies has become a modern tradition, combining festive color and minty flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Candy Cane Cookies recipe is designed for busy bakers who want maximum holiday impact with minimal effort. The cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with peppermint flavor. They’re visually stunning, making them ideal for holiday gatherings, and they’re incredibly versatile with variations for chocolate lovers or gluten-free bakers.

Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees delicious, festive results every time.

Fun Holiday Pairings

Beverages: Hot chocolate, eggnog, peppermint tea, coffee with a hint of cinnamon
Dessert Combos: Serve with chocolate truffles, sugar cookies, or gingerbread houses for a complete holiday spread.
Party Tips: Decorate with edible glitter or icing for a cookie-decorating station at holiday events.

With this recipe, Easy Candy Cane Cookies become a staple in your holiday baking rotation. They’re simple, festive, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for sharing, gifting, or indulging yourself!