Ahhh… Christmas time. Lights strung up along windows and walls, Christmas dresses adorned with colorful ornaments, carols that start being played a little too early—each of these things is characteristic of that wonderful season. Each item in that list carries with it a strong sense of nostalgia…at least for me. Candy cane cookies definitely fall into that list.

Candy Cane Cookies are a Christmas tradition around here. We make a big batch of peppermint-flavored candy cane cookies at the beginning of December, and then a big batch on Christmas Eve. (Though in recent years we’ve had to make another batch in the middle of December to get us through to Christmas. They’re just so darn good!)

These cookies are delicious and they’re pretty too! Like any well-decorated sugar cookie, they’re one of the first to go at any Christmas party.

Sometimes I’ll color part of the dough green and make wreaths for a fun variation that still comes out tasting like a classic Christmas cookie.

If you’re in the mood to try out a new taste (or if you’re serving someone who doesn’t like peppermint), try using almond extract instead. My family has always flavored the cookies with vanilla and peppermint, so that’s how I do it. I think they taste best that way. But if you want to give the almond flavor a try, replace the peppermint extract with ½ teaspoon almond extract.

Bonus Tips

  • This recipe works best if you make one full cookie at a time. Don’t roll out a bunch of white cords, and then roll out a bunch of red cords. This will make the dough too dry to work with. Instead, roll a single white cord and a single red cord. Make the whole cookie, then move on to the next one. Using minimal flour helps the two cords of dough won’t stick together. Use just enough to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands or the counter.
  • If the dough becomes too crumbly, just stick it back in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes. The extra chill time will help it to form up better.
  • Be sure to let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. I usually let them sit on the sheet for 10-15 minutes. Trying to move them too soon can cause them to crack.

More Christmas Treats:

  • Peppermint Bark
  • Peppermint Brownies
  • Eggnog Cookies
  • The BEST Christmas Cookies
  • Peppermint Bark Pretzels

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Candy Cane Cookies

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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