8 Festive Candy Cane Cookies Recipes For a Minty Holiday Treat


Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

1. Classic Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

These delightful treats are a staple during the holidays!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes for garnish

Process:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light. Mix in egg and extracts. Gradually add flour mixture.
  3. Roll dough into sticks, curve them into candy cane shapes, and sprinkle with candy canes before baking for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Add white chocolate chunks or dip half in melted chocolate for an extra treat!

2. Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

A delicious twist on the classic sugar cookie.

These rich, festive cookies will make your holiday heart sing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Crushed candy canes

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cream butter and brown sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients.
  3. Roll into balls, roll in crushed candy, and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Make it Unique:
Try adding peppermint extract to the cookie dough for that extra minty flavor!

3. Candy Cane Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are fun and festive, with a cool mint surprise inside!

A delightful treat with a minty twist!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mint chocolate candy for filling

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, powdered sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.
  2. Cream butter, then add egg yolk and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients.
  3. Form into balls, make a dent in the center, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Fill with mint chocolate.

Make it Unique:
Substitute mint chocolate for raspberry jam for a fruity version!

4. Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Light and airy, these cookies are pretty and festive!

A sweet, crunchy treat that melts in your mouth!

Ingredients:

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 200°F (90°C). Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  2. Gradually add sugar, beating until glossy and stiff. Fold in peppermint.
  3. Pipe onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with candy. Bake for 1.5 hours until dry.

Make it Unique:
Add food coloring to the meringue to create festive swirls!

5. Candy Cane Brownies

Fudgy and rich, these brownies are an ultimate holiday indulgence!

These brownies are sure to satisfy any chocolate lover!

Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • Crushed candy canes for topping

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and sugar together, then whisk in eggs and vanilla.
  2. Stir in cocoa and flour, then fold in chocolate chips. Pour into a greased pan.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Top with crushed candy canes while warm.

Make it Unique:
Add a layer of peppermint frosting on top for an extra surprise!

6. Candy Cane Biscotti

Perfect for coffee or hot cocoa, these crispy treats are a holiday favorite.

Crispy, crunchy, and perfect for dunking!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • Crushed candy canes for topping

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. Beat in eggs and extract, then add nuts. Shape into logs and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Slice, then bake again for 10 minutes on each side. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with candy.

Make it Unique:
Substitute almonds with walnuts or pistachios for a new twist!

7. Candy Cane Snickerdoodles

These classic cookies with a minty twist are sure to please!

Soft, chewy, and delightful!

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon for rolling

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and extracts. Combine with dry ingredients.
  3. Roll into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Sprinkle with crushed candy.

Make it Unique:
Try adding chocolate chips for a decadent touch!

8. Candy Cane Whoopie Pies

These delightful treats are a fun take on the traditional whoopie pie!

A playful and festive dessert perfect for sharing!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Mint buttercream for filling (1 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp peppermint extract)

Process:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, add egg and vanilla. Gradually combine with dry ingredients.
  3. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes, and fill with mint buttercream.

Make it Unique:
Add a layer of ganache for extra decadence!


The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch (or two!) of these festive candy cane cookies? Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just for yourself, these recipes are packed with cheer and the perfect touch of minty goodness. I can’t wait for you to try them out—get those ovens preheated and happy baking!

Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

Carolyn E. Fleener

👩‍🍳 Carolyn E. Fleener is the voice behind Dough and Diary , where she shares simple, delicious recipes with a personal touch.

Recent Posts