The Jolly Candy Cane Cookies Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet and festive candy cane cookies bring holiday cheer to your kitchen with their delightful peppermint twist.

These classic treats swirl red and white dough into an irresistible candy cane pattern that delights both kids and adults.

The delicate crunch and cool mint flavor make each bite a wintertime celebration.

Soft, buttery cookie dough mingles with vibrant peppermint for a truly magical dessert.

Baking these cookies fills your home with warmth and the nostalgic scent of the season.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive these cookies look when arranged on a festive platter.

Whip up a batch and watch smiles spread faster than frosting on a fresh-baked cookie.

Why Twisted Holiday Cookies Add Festive Fun

• Festive Flair: Create stunning holiday cookies that look like classic candy canes, making your dessert table instantly more magical and eye-catching.
• Quick Customization: Easily adjust colors and flavors by switching food coloring or extract types, allowing personal creativity in every batch.
• Kid-Friendly Crafting: Perfect for family baking sessions where children can help twist doughs and sprinkle toppings, turning cookie making into a fun holiday activity.
• Simple Technique: Requires basic baking skills with straightforward steps, making these cookies accessible for bakers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Twisted Holiday Cookies – Ingredients Rundown

• Butter: The rich, creamy foundation that provides tender texture and deep flavor to the cookies.
• Sugars: White and brown sugars add sweetness and help create a soft, chewy cookie.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cookie's structure.
• Extracts: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cookies.

• Flour: The primary structure for the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the sweet flavors.

• Red Food Coloring: Creates the festive red and white twisted candy cane appearance.
• Peppermint, Sugar: Adds a classic holiday crunch and refreshing mint flavor to the finished cookies.

Baking Twisted Holiday Cookies: Simple Steps

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab your stand mixer and blend together soft butter, white and brown sugars, vanilla and peppermint extracts, and a fresh egg.

Mix until everything looks smooth and fluffy, but don’t overwork the mixture.

Step 2: Combine Dry Elements

Gently fold in all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

Stir until the ingredients form a consistent dough that holds together nicely.

Step 3: Create Color Contrast

Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions.

Add red food coloring to one half, mixing thoroughly until you achieve a vibrant crimson shade.

Step 4: Chill and Rest

Separately wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap.

Place in the refrigerator and let them rest for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.

Step 5: Prepare Festive Topping

In a small bowl, crush peppermint candies and mix with granulated sugar to create a sparkling, minty garnish.

Step 6: Warm the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Craft Candy Cane Shapes

Take a teaspoon of white dough and a teaspoon of red dough.

Roll each into a 5-inch rope.

Carefully place them side by side, then gently twist them together to create a candy cane pattern.

Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown.

Step 9: Sprinkle Festive Topping

Immediately after removing from the oven, generously dust the warm cookies with the peppermint-sugar mixture.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer cookies to a wire cooling rack.

Allow them to cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Holiday Cookie Tips for a Perfect Twist

• Chill dough thoroughly to maintain distinct red and white colors and prevent blending during twisting.
• Use light, even pressure when rolling dough ropes to ensure uniform thickness and smooth candy cane shape.
• Crush peppermint candies finely for a more intense and distributed taste throughout the topping.
• Watch cookies closely during last few minutes to prevent over-browning and maintain soft, tender texture.
• Keep cookies in airtight container with parchment between layers to preserve crispness and prevent sticking.

Cookie Variations to Try This Holiday Season

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the festive candy cane design.
• Vegan Peppermint Cookies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use a flax egg instead of regular egg, and select plant-based food coloring for a cruelty-free treat.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Treats: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie content while keeping the classic candy cane appearance.
• Chocolate Peppermint Variation: Add cocoa powder to the white dough for a rich chocolate base, creating a decadent peppermint chocolate candy cane cookie experience.

Serving Up Twisted Holiday Cookies

• Festive Presentation Platter: Arrange twisted candy cane cookies in a circular pattern on a white ceramic plate, creating a stunning holiday centerpiece that showcases their beautiful red and white swirls.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, perfect for homemade holiday gifts that will delight friends and family with their delicious appearance.
• Hot Cocoa Companion: Serve these cookies alongside rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream, creating a delightful winter treat that combines warm beverage and sweet cookie experience.
• Party Dessert Display: Create a cookie platter with these candy cane cookies alongside other holiday treats, using festive holiday-themed serving trays to enhance the seasonal presentation.

Twisted Holiday Cookie Storage Advice

• Store cooled holiday cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate candy cane design.
• Preserve these festive treats by freezing them flat in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor when you're ready to enjoy.
• Keep cookies at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 5 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors.
• Place a small piece of bread in the storage container to help absorb excess moisture and keep cookies perfectly crisp and delicious.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking when twisting the ropes?

Use a lightly floured surface and cold dough to make handling easier. Gently press and twist the white and red dough ropes together without applying too much pressure.

• Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly.

• What if my dough becomes too soft while working?

If the dough gets warm and sticky, quickly return it to the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up. This will make shaping the candy cane cookies much easier and prevent breaking.

• How do I get a perfect candy cane shape?