These festive candy cane cookies are the perfect holiday treat! With a buttery, almond-flavored dough twisted into the classic candy cane shape, they bring a fun and delicious touch to any Christmas gathering. The red and white swirls make them as beautiful as they are tasty, and they’re sure to become a holiday favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the holiday season, adding a festive touch to your dessert table
Fun to make with kids, letting them help with the twisting process
Buttery, almond-flavored goodness that melts in your mouth
A beautiful addition to Christmas cookie platters and gift boxes
Easy to customize with different flavors or colors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder
Red food coloring
Crushed peppermint candies (optional)
Sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
Divide the dough in half. Color one half with red food coloring, mixing until evenly distributed.
Take a small piece of each dough color, roll them into ropes, and twist them together to form a candy cane shape.
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
If desired, sprinkle warm cookies with crushed peppermint or sugar for extra flavor.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, for easier handling)
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes

Variations

Different Flavors: Swap almond extract for peppermint or vanilla extract.
Color Twists: Use green food coloring instead of red for a fun variation.
Chocolate Dipped: Dip the ends of cooled cookies in melted white or dark chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Dough Storage: Wrap and refrigerate dough for up to 3 days before baking.

FAQs

How do I prevent my dough from becoming too sticky?

Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help make it easier to handle and shape.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of almond extract?

Yes! Peppermint extract will give these cookies a more traditional candy cane flavor.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, you can leave the dough plain or use natural food coloring alternatives like beet powder.

Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter isn’t too soft, and chill the shaped cookies before baking.

What’s the best way to shape the candy cane cookies?

Roll out two thin ropes of dough, twist them together, and then curve the top to form a candy cane shape.

Can I add crushed peppermint candy to the dough?

Yes! Mixing in crushed peppermint adds extra flavor and crunch.

Are these cookies soft or crispy?

They are slightly crisp on the edges with a soft, buttery center.

Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative to make them dairy-free.

What’s the best way to package these cookies for gifts?

Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or decorative tin to prevent breakage.

Conclusion

Candy cane cookies are a delightful and festive treat that brings joy to the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, as gifts, or just to enjoy at home, their buttery texture and sweet flavor will be a hit. Try different variations, get creative with decorations, and enjoy baking these classic holiday cookies!