Festive White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Sweet holiday memories dance through kitchens when white chocolate candy cane cookies appear on festive platters.

Peppermint’s cool breeze mingles with creamy chocolate notes in this delightful treat.

Soft, crumbly edges and delicate candy cane bits promise a merry bite.

Crisp winter afternoons call for something special that sparks joy and comfort.

Kitchen counters transform into magical spaces where sugar and nostalgia blend perfectly.

Crumbs and laughter become the secret ingredients that make these cookies irresistible.

Peppermint Cookies That Feel Like a Hug

Indulge in Holiday Magic: Reasons to Love These Cookies

• Festive Flavor Explosion: Peppermint and white chocolate combine for a mouthwatering holiday treat that instantly transports you to cozy winter celebrations.
• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these delightful cookies with simple ingredients and minimal preparation, perfect for busy home bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow family and friends at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet homemade gift that spreads seasonal cheer.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Involve children in crushing candy canes and mixing ingredients, creating fun memories and teaching basic baking skills.

Candy Cane Cookies with White Chocolate Ingredients

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for cookie texture.
• Shortening: Helps create soft and tender cookies.
• White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep flavor.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds classic sweet background flavor.
• Peppermint Extract: Creates festive holiday taste.
• Candy Canes: Provides crunchy peppermint crunch.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adds creamy sweet element.

• All-Purpose Flour: Gives cookie structure and body.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread.
• Salt: Balances overall sweetness.

How to Bake White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie removal and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Butter
• Shortening
• White sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat the ingredients until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next.

Step 4: Form Cookie Dough

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

If the dough feels too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Step 5: Incorporate Festive Mix-Ins

• Crushed candy canes
• White chocolate chips

Ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Scoop dough into small balls, approximately 1-1.5 tablespoons in size. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. Look for tops that appear just set, indicating the cookies are perfectly done.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Remove cookies from the oven. Optional: Dot additional white chocolate chips on top while cookies are still warm for extra decadence.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these festive holiday treats!

Candy Cane Cookie Tips That Bring Holiday Joy

• Perfect Peppermint Preparation: Crush candy canes finely for even flavor distribution throughout the cookie dough.
• Chocolate Chip Pro Tip: Reserve some white chocolate chips to press into warm cookies for a prettier, more decadent finish after baking.
• Prevent Sticky Situation: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and create thicker, more stable cookies.
• Extract Enhancement: Use pure peppermint extract for a more intense and authentic holiday flavor compared to artificial alternatives.
• Texture Trick: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to help them set and maintain a soft, chewy texture.

Save White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies The Right Way

• Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap raw cookie dough balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.
• Place completely cooled cookies in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating layers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place paper towel inside container to absorb moisture and maintain crisp texture.

Sweet Treat Matches for Candy Cane Cookies

• Complement Holiday Sweet Indulgence: Festive Pairings
• Brew Rich Hot Cocoa: Warm white chocolate peppermint hot chocolate perfectly mirrors the cookie's creamy white chocolate and minty candy cane essence, creating a luxurious winter flavor experience.
• Select Chilled Milk Companion: Cold whole milk cuts through the cookie's sweetness, offering a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between each delightful minty bite.
• Match Peppermint Mocha: Starbucks-style peppermint mocha complements the cookie's flavor profile, enhancing the mint notes while adding a sophisticated coffee undertone that elevates the dessert.
• Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool backdrop that highlights the cookie's pepperminty crunch and white chocolate richness, creating a decadent holiday dessert moment.

Candy Cane Cookie Combos

• Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture and binding.
• Vegan Peppermint Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg replacer, and select dairy-free white chocolate chips for a completely vegan version.
• Low-Sugar Candy Cane Treat: Swap white and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Winter Cookies: Use coconut-based shortening instead of butter, select dairy-free white chocolate chips, and keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add both butter and shortening?

The combination creates a perfect texture – butter adds rich flavor while shortening helps the cookies stay soft and prevents spreading during baking.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Not recommended. The precise sugar ratio helps create the right cookie consistency and balances the peppermint and white chocolate flavors.

• How finely should I crush the candy canes?

Aim for small, uneven pieces about the size of coarse sea salt. This ensures a good crunch and even distribution of peppermint throughout the cookie.

• What if my dough seems too soft?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before scooping and baking. This helps prevent cookies from spreading too much and maintains their shape.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet winter magic unfolds with white chocolate candy cane cookies, inviting festive cheer into holiday baking adventures. Peppermint-kissed and elegantly crafted, these cookies deliver delightful crunch and seasonal charm you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes

Extracts:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a festive workstation by setting the oven temperature to 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for even cookie distribution.
2. Create a smooth, creamy base by vigorously whipping butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and airy, ensuring a consistent texture.
3. Infuse holiday flavors by incorporating vanilla and peppermint extracts, then gently integrate eggs one at a time to maintain a silky mixture.
4. Gradually introduce dry ingredients by blending flour, baking soda, and salt on low speed, adjusting consistency with additional flour if the dough appears too moist.
5. Enhance the cookie’s festive character by gently folding crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips throughout the dough, distributing ingredients evenly.
6. Shape the cookie mixture into uniform balls approximately 1-1.5 tablespoons in size, positioning them strategically on prepared baking sheets with sufficient spacing.
7. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, watching for subtle signs of setting on the surface without overcooking.
8. Optional decorative touch: While cookies are still warm, strategically place additional white chocolate chips on top for extra visual appeal and melty texture.
9. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 10 minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process and develop their final texture.

Notes

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, chewier cookies.
• Use high-quality white chocolate chips for richer flavor and smoother melting.
• Crush candy canes finely for even distribution and a more delicate peppermint crunch throughout the cookie.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to maintain soft texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg