Candy Cane Cookies

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Twisting vibrant red and white dough into sweet little rings, these Candy Cane Cookies aren’t just festive—they’re a Christmas cookie dream come true. With their buttery vanilla flavor and soft crumb, they bring holiday charm to your dessert tray and a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen. Whether you’re gifting tins of cookies or setting up a cheerful baking day with the family, these cookies are guaranteed to steal the show.

The contrast of red and white stripes, dusted in sparkling sugar, makes them look like edible peppermint swirls—but without the mint. Instead, they’re buttery, soft, and lightly sweet, making them the kind of treat you’ll want with a mug of cocoa or nestled among your favorite Christmas desserts.

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What Kind of Food Coloring Works Best for Candy Cane Cookies?

For bright and beautiful red swirls, use a gel-based food coloring. Liquid food coloring tends to water down the dough, which can change its texture and make the colors less vibrant. A small amount of gel goes a long way, giving you that classic candy cane pop without affecting the flavor or structure.

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Ingredients for the Candy Cane Cookies

Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness and keeps the dough soft and tender. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Powdered Sugar – For a smooth and sweet cookie, powdered sugar is key. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Egg – Binds everything together and gives the dough structure.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warm, sweet undertones that enhance the cookie flavor.

Almond Extract – A touch of almond gives a subtle nutty edge and classic holiday aroma.

All-Purpose Flour – The base that holds the cookies together; be sure to measure it accurately.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

Red Gel Food Coloring – Creates the signature swirl. Use sparingly; a little goes a long way.

Granulated Sugar (for dusting) – Gives the cookies a light sparkle and added crunch on the outside.

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How To Make the Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.

Step 2: Divide and Color

Split the dough into two equal parts. Leave one plain and add red gel food coloring to the other, mixing until evenly tinted.

Step 3: Chill and Shape

Chill the doughs for about 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll small pieces of each color into ropes. Twist one red and one white rope together, then form them into a ring or traditional cane shape.

Step 4: Bake and Dust

Place shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until just set (not browned). While still warm, sprinkle with granulated sugar.

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Storing and Serving Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re planning ahead for a party or gift boxes, you can freeze them after baking. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing in layers separated by parchment.

For serving, they look stunning on a holiday cookie platter and pair perfectly with hot chocolate, coffee, or spiced cider.

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What to Serve With Candy Cane Cookies?

Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

A classic match—the soft buttery cookies are perfect for dipping into a creamy cocoa.

Eggnog Latte

The nutty almond in the cookie pairs wonderfully with the rich spices in a cozy eggnog drink.

Creamy Cheesecake Dip

Use the cookies as a crunchy-sweet scoop for a light, whipped cream cheese dip.

Chocolate Fondue

These cookies make fun dippers when you’ve got a pot of melted dark or white chocolate.

Peppermint Bark

Add contrast to your cookie tray with peppermint bark’s sharp minty crunch.

Festive Fruit Salad

Brighten up the table with fresh citrus, pomegranate, and cranberries alongside your cookies.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Simple, cold, and creamy—sandwich between two cookies for a quick dessert.

Spiced Tea

A cinnamon or chai blend enhances the warm flavors of the cookies.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a meltaway winter treat.
• Salted Caramel Cupcakes when you want rich and buttery decadence.
• Chocolate Cherry Cookies for a bold sweet-and-tart combo.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies that taste like dessert and breakfast in one.
• Moist and Chewy Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies for a cozy, spiced bite.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe you added peppermint extract or dipped the edges in chocolate? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

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