20 Delicious Candy Cane Cookie Recipes for the Holidays

1. Classic Candy Cane Cookie

This classic recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the traditional flavor of candy canes. With a perfect balance of peppermint and sweetness, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons peppermint extract; 2 ½ cups flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; red food coloring.
  • Instructions: Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and peppermint extract. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Divide dough in half, tint one half with red food coloring. Roll out 1-inch pieces of each color and twist together to form candy cane shapes. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.

2. Chocolate-Dipped Candy Cane Cookie

For those who can’t resist chocolate, this recipe combines the sweetness of candy cane cookies with a rich chocolate dip. It’s an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup softened butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ cup crushed candy canes; 1 cup chocolate chips.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour and baking soda. Stir in crushed candy canes. Shape into balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, dip half in melted chocolate and sprinkle with more crushed candy canes.

3. Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

These chewy sugar cookies are infused with peppermint flavor and topped with a delightful candy cane crunch. They’re perfect for decorating or enjoying as-is.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 ¾ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; crushed candy canes for topping.
  • Instructions: Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet. Roll into balls, place on a baking sheet, and flatten slightly. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

4. Peppermint Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies take the classic chocolate chip cookie to a festive new level with the addition of peppermint flavor and crushed candy canes. They’re sure to be a favorite!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 eggs; 2 ¼ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix together dry ingredients, then gradually incorporate into the wet mixture. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 9-11 minutes.

5. Candy Cane Cookie Bars

If you’re looking for a quicker option, these cookie bars pack all the flavors of candy cane cookies into a single pan. They’re easy to cut into squares and share!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 ½ cups brown sugar; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed candy canes; 1 cup white chocolate chips.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and brown sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients, then fold in crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips. Spread in a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

6. Peppermint Swirl Candy Cane Cookies

These vibrant cookies not only taste fantastic but also look stunning with their swirled red and white colors. They’re perfect for holiday cookie trays!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 teaspoons peppermint extract; 2 ¾ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; red food coloring.
  • Instructions: Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and peppermint extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Divide dough, tint one half red. Roll out both colors into logs, twist together, and shape into candy canes. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

7. Candy Cane Thumbprint Cookies

These delightful thumbprint cookies are filled with a sweet peppermint icing and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. They make for a lovely addition to any holiday cookie platter.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; ¾ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; crushed candy canes for topping; peppermint icing (powdered sugar, milk, peppermint extract).
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix in flour and baking powder. Roll into balls and make an impression in the center with your thumb. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, fill with peppermint icing and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

8. Candy Cane Biscotti

For a crunchy holiday treat, try this candy cane biscotti. Perfect for dipping into hot cocoa or coffee, these cookies are both delicious and festive!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; ½ cup butter; 3 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together sugar and butter, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix together flour, baking powder, and peppermint extract, then add to wet ingredients. Fold in crushed candy canes. Shape dough into logs and bake for 25-30 minutes. Slice and return to oven to bake for another 10-15 minutes.

9. No-Bake Candy Cane Cookies

Short on time? These no-bake candy cane cookies are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. They’re a great option for last-minute holiday treats!

  • Ingredients: 2 cups crushed graham crackers; 1 cup powdered sugar; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, melted butter, and peppermint extract. Press the mixture into a lined 9×9 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips and spread over the top. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate until set, then cut into squares.

10. Candy Cane Meringue Cookies

Light and airy, these candy cane meringue cookies are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Their beautiful pink and white colors make them a festive addition to any dessert table.

  • Ingredients: 4 egg whites; 1 cup sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon peppermint extract; red food coloring; crushed candy canes for topping.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 200°F. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix in extracts. Divide mixture, tint one half with red food coloring. Pipe swirls onto a baking sheet and sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Bake for 1-1.5 hours until dry.

11. Candy Cane Oatmeal Cookies

For a heartier option, these candy cane oatmeal cookies combine the classic flavors of oatmeal cookies with the delightful crunch of candy canes. They’re a unique twist on a holiday favorite!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups oats; 1 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold in crushed candy canes. Drop onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.

12. Candy Cane Chewy Cookies

These chewy cookies are made with a blend of brown sugar and white sugar, giving them a soft texture that pairs perfectly with the crunch of candy canes.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix together dry ingredients and gradually add to wet mixture. Fold in crushed candy canes. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.

13. Candy Cane Linzer Cookies

These elegant linzer cookies feature a delicious peppermint filling and a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. They’re perfect for holiday gifting!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 cups flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; crushed candy canes for filling.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream butter and sugar, then add egg, vanilla, and peppermint extract. Mix in flour and salt. Roll out dough and cut into shapes, making sure to cut out a center for half of them. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and fill with crushed candy canes.

14. Peppermint Bark Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies combine the flavors of peppermint bark with the classic candy cane cookie. With a rich chocolate base, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 2 cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 cup chocolate chips; ½ cup crushed candy canes for topping.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg. Mix in flour and baking powder. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the cookies, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

15. Candy Cane Cake Mix Cookies

For a quick and easy treat, these cake mix cookies require minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor. They’re perfect for busy bakers!

  • Ingredients: 1 box cake mix (white or vanilla); ½ cup butter; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; crushed candy canes for topping.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and peppermint extract. Mix until combined. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

16. Candy Cane Whoopie Pies

These delightful whoopie pies are a twist on the classic dessert, featuring a peppermint-infused filling sandwiched between two soft candy cane cookies.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 ½ cups flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup crushed candy canes; filling: 1 cup marshmallow fluff; ½ cup butter; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and crushed candy canes. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. For the filling, beat together marshmallow fluff, butter, and peppermint extract. Sandwich filling between two cookies.

17. Candy Cane Fudge Cookies

These fudge cookies are rich and chocolatey, with a peppermint twist from crushed candy canes. They’re a decadent addition to any holiday dessert table!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and crushed candy canes. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Once cooled, you can drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.

18. Candy Cane Pancakes Cookies

These unique cookies are perfect for breakfast lovers, combining the flavors of pancakes and candy canes into one delightful treat!

  • Ingredients: ¾ cup flour; ½ cup pancake mix; ½ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; ½ cup crushed candy canes; maple syrup for drizzling.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix together flour, pancake mix, and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Fold in crushed candy canes. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup before serving.

19. Candy Cane Ice Cream Sandwiches

These refreshing ice cream sandwiches are perfect for a sweet treat during the holidays. The candy cane cookies make a delicious outer layer for your favorite ice cream!

  • Ingredients: 1 batch candy cane cookies; your favorite ice cream; crushed candy canes for rolling.
  • Instructions: Bake a batch of candy cane cookies and let them cool. Scoop your favorite ice cream onto one cookie and top with another. Roll the edges in crushed candy canes. Freeze until firm.

20. Candy Cane Hot Cocoa Cookies

Finally, these cookies combine the flavors of hot cocoa with the festive crunch of candy canes. They’re perfect for enjoying with a warm mug of cocoa during the holidays!

  • Ingredients: 1 cup butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 cups flour; 1 cup cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup crushed candy canes.
  • Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream together butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and crushed candy canes. Drop spoonfuls onto baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes.

With these 20 delightful candy cane cookie recipes, you’re sure to find the perfect treats to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you prefer classic cookies or unique twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Happy baking!