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Bake These Candy Cane Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat You’ll Love

Bake These Candy Cane Cookies

Festive holiday cookies shaped like candy canes, with buttery vanilla dough twisted in red and white and a hint of peppermint. Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or gifting!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract optional
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Optional: crushed candy canes or sparkling sugar for garnish

Method
 

  1. Instructions
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Mix until smooth.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture until dough forms.
  5. Divide dough in half. Leave one half plain (white) and add red food coloring to the other half. Knead until evenly colored.
  6. Roll a small piece of each dough into 6-inch ropes. Twist one white and one red rope together, then curve the top to form a candy cane shape.
  7. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, until set but not browned.
  9. Cool completely, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes or sugar if desired.

Notes

Notes
Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if it feels too soft.
Use gel food coloring for best results.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.