Get ready to bring a little holiday magic to your kitchen with these Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies! Perfectly golden and delightfully crunchy, these cookies are bursting with the nostalgic flavor of crushed candy canes. The buttery base pairs beautifully with the peppermint sweetness, creating a festive treat that’s ideal for cookie swaps, holiday parties, or just cozying up with a cup of cocoa.
Growing up, my mom always kept a jar of candy canes around during the holidays, and these Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies were her way of using up the leftovers. The kitchen would smell of butter and peppermint as they baked, and my siblings and I couldn’t wait to sneak one while they were still warm. These cookies are now a tradition in my own home, and every batch takes me right back to those cherished family moments.
What Are Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies?
Candy Cane Cookies are crisp, buttery cookies infused with crushed candy canes for a festive peppermint twist. Unlike chewy cookies, these bake up light and crispy, with a delightful crunch that’s perfect for those who love a more delicate, biscuit-like texture. They’re easy to make, with no fancy equipment required, making them the perfect holiday treat for bakers of all skill levels.
Why Our Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies Are the Best
Our Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies are the ultimate holiday indulgence. They’re packed with buttery flavor, perfectly crisp, and dotted with sweet, pepperminty candy cane pieces that melt in your mouth. It’s a foolproof recipe that guarantees festive vibes in every bite!
Ingredients Notes for Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
Every ingredient in these Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies plays an important role in creating their signature crispness and buttery flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The base of the cookie, providing structure and crisp texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread evenly during baking.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (1 cup, softened): Adds richness and creates a tender, buttery base.
- White granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups): Sweetens the cookies and helps them crisp up.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds depth of flavor and a hint of caramel-like sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): A touch of warmth and complexity.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the dough together.
- Crushed candy canes (¾ cup): The star ingredient, adding festive peppermint flavor and crunch!
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
- Mixing bowls (at least 2)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets (2-3)
- A flat-bottomed glass for flattening the cookies
How to Make Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
Making these Crispy, Buttery Candy Cane Cookies is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for festive cookie perfection.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, white granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract, making sure everything is thoroughly combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed until the dough comes together.
5. Add the Crushed Candy Canes
Gently fold in the crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Form the Cookies
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place 8 cookie dough balls on each prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
7. Flatten the Cookies
Using the bottom of a flat glass, gently flatten each cookie into a thin, even disc. If the dough sticks, dip the glass in water to prevent sticking. Flatten as much as possible for that signature crispy texture.
8. Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies on the middle rack of your oven for 9-11 minutes, or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
9. Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets. This helps them set and achieve maximum crispness.
How to Store Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
To keep your Crispy, Buttery Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies Variations
Make these cookies your own with a few fun twists!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the tops for a peppermint-chocolate combo.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
- Mint Lovers’ Delight: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the dough for an extra burst of minty flavor.
What to Serve with Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
Pair these Crispy, Buttery Candy Cane Cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat. They also go beautifully with peppermint tea or a frothy latte. For a party, create a dessert platter with these cookies alongside brownies, chocolate truffles, and festive sugar cookies.
Top Tips for Perfect Crispy Buttery Candy Cane Cookies
- Soften Your Butter: Softened butter ensures the dough creams properly and results in a smooth, even texture.
- Crush Candy Canes Finely: Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush candy canes into small, even pieces for better distribution.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch closely and remove cookies as soon as the edges turn golden to avoid burning.
- Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets to set their crisp texture.
- Flatten Well: Press the cookies as thin as possible before baking for that perfect crispy texture.
Helpful Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- These cookies make excellent gifts—wrap them in festive bags or tins for a thoughtful holiday treat!
- You can crush the candy canes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Christina Tosi: Always use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor—it makes a noticeable difference in baked goods.
- Ina Garten: Let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing for a more consistent dough.
- Alton Brown: Weigh your ingredients for precision, especially when baking cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it come to room temperature before baking.
Q: Can I use unsalted butter?
A: Absolutely—just add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt to the dough.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, roll the dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and bake as needed.
Q: Can I use peppermint candies instead of candy canes?
A: Definitely! Peppermint candies work just as well as candy canes.
Q: What if I don’t have parchment paper?
A: Grease your baking sheets lightly with butter or cooking spray as an alternative.
More Delicious Cookie Recipes
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Baking these Crispy, Buttery Candy Cane Cookies is the perfect way to add a little extra holiday cheer to your day. Enjoy!