12/24/2025
Classic Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup vegetable shortening (or use additional butter if preferred)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
Red food coloring, as needed
¼ cup finely crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, shortening, and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Add the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms.
Divide the dough evenly into two portions. Leave one portion plain. Knead red food coloring into the second portion until the color is evenly distributed and vibrant.
Wrap each dough portion tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Take one rounded teaspoon of plain dough and one rounded teaspoon of red dough. Roll each into a 4-inch rope on a lightly floured surface.
Place the two ropes side by side, gently twist them together, then curve the top to form a candy cane shape.
Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
Bake for about 9 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just lightly golden on the bottom.
While the cookies bake, mix the crushed peppermint candies with the granulated sugar.
Remove cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the warm cookies with the peppermint sugar mixture.
Transfer cookies carefully to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving.
Details
These festive candy cane cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly minty, making them a holiday baking classic. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, holiday parties, or edible gifts, they bring nostalgic charm and seasonal flavor to any dessert spread.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 18 mg
Sodium: 131 mg
Fiber: 0.4 g
Sugar: 2 g
Calories: 140 per cookie