Candy cane cookies

Sharing is caring!

A Festive Twist on Traditional Candy Cane Cookies

Bring the magic of Christmas to your kitchen with these vibrant Candy Cane Christmas Cookies!

If you’re looking for a holiday cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, these candy cane cookies are the perfect treat. With bright swirls of red, green, aqua, and white dough, they’re a colorful spin on the traditional holiday favorite.

The dough recipe I use is incredibly easy to work with, ensuring your candy canes hold their shape and don’t puff up too much while baking.

Not only are they visually stunning, but they also have that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange, gifting them to friends, or leaving a plate out for Santa, these cookies are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer!

For a step-by-step guide on how I shaped, twisted, and baked these beauties, check out the video/reel I made, now live on all my social platforms. Watch it to see how these festive treats come together in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• Red, green, and aqua blue gel food coloring
• Milk (for brushing)
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
2. Color the Dough:
   Divide the dough into four equal sections. Leave one section plain (white). Tint the other three sections red, green, and aqua blue using gel food coloring. Mix until the colors are evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cookies:
   Take a small ball of red dough and roll it into a long strip, about 4-5 inches. Repeat with a ball of white dough. Gently twist the two strips together and form into a candy cane shape. Place the shaped cookie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough, alternating colors (e.g., green/white, aqua/white).
4. Add a Festive Finish:
   Brush each cookie lightly with milk and sprinkle granulated sugar over the top for a glittery effect.
5. Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Be careful not to overbake to maintain their vibrant color.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
   Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve on a festive platter, or package them in tins for holiday gifts.

Celebrate the holidays with these Traditional Candy Cane Christmas Cookies! Brightly swirled with festive red, green, aqua, and white dough, these cookies are as cheerful as they are delicious.

Their buttery, tender texture pairs perfectly with a light sprinkle of sugar for added sparkle. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday baking, this recipe is foolproof and fun for the whole family.

Want to see how they’re made? Check out the video/reel I created on all my social platforms for a visual step-by-step guide. These cookies are sure to be a holiday hit!