Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

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These Crispy Candy Cane Cookies are a whimsical twist on a classic holiday treat. Shaped like the iconic peppermint sticks and sparkling with sugar, they’re buttery, crisp, and just sweet enough to keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or simply want to surprise the kids, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

The dough comes together with ease and colors beautifully to achieve that signature red and white swirl. With a slight crunch on the outside and a tender bite inside, they balance charm and flavor perfectly. Bonus: They hold their shape impressively well, making them a showstopper for gifting or decorating your holiday dessert spread.

What Kind of Dough Works Best for Candy Cane Cookies?

The key to nailing these cookies is using a dough that’s pliable yet firm enough to hold shape during twisting. A shortbread-style cookie dough or a basic butter cookie dough works wonders. These doughs have just enough fat to keep them from crumbling and enough structure to let you roll, twist, and shape without melting into blobs in the oven.

Ingredients for the Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

• Butter: The heart of the dough, providing rich flavor and helping with that tender, crispy bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, delicate texture and integrates seamlessly with the butter.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Almond Extract: Infuses the cookies with a lightly sweet, nutty note that perfectly complements the festive theme.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that gives the dough structure and shape.
• Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharpens the flavors.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: A vibrant, non-watery colorant that keeps the dough texture intact.
• Granulated Sugar (for sprinkling): Adds a festive sparkle and slight crunch after baking.

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How To Make the Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough

Cream together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Gradually blend in flour and salt until the dough comes together.

Step 2: Divide and Tint

Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain. Add red food coloring to the other half and knead gently until evenly tinted. Chill both portions for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Roll and Twist

Take a teaspoon-sized piece from each dough color and roll into ropes. Twist a red and a white rope together and form into a candy cane shape. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until set but not browned. Immediately sprinkle with granulated sugar while still warm.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll crisp up as they cool, giving that perfect bite!

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How to Store and Serve Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. Just thaw before serving.

Serve them on a holiday cookie tray, gift them in festive tins, or use them as edible decorations on your dessert table. Their shape and shimmer make them a standout addition to any holiday celebration.

What to Serve With Crispy Candy Cane Cookies?

Hot Chocolate

A cozy mug of cocoa pairs beautifully with the crisp, buttery texture of these cookies.

Peppermint Mocha

Enhance the minty vibe with a rich peppermint mocha or coffee drink.

Eggnog

A chilled glass of classic eggnog is a creamy, nostalgic match.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

The fruity richness complements the vanilla-almond notes.

White Chocolate Bark

The creaminess of the bark balances the crispness of the cookies.

Apple Cider

Warm or cold, the spice of cider works great with the sweetness of the cookies.

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip

This offers a tangy contrast to the sugary crunch.

Festive Cheese Board

Surprisingly, these cookies go great with sweet-savory combinations like brie and cranberry.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you adore these Crispy Candy Cane Cookies, don’t miss these other festive favorites:

• Twix Cookie Cups for a caramel and chocolate fix.
• Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies to keep the candy theme alive.
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a decadent indulgence.
• Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Santa Cookies for a quick and colorful option.
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies for pure cocoa delight.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try peppermint extract instead of almond? Did you experiment with colors or shapes?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen.

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