White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for the perfect festive treat to brighten your holiday season, this White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the crisp, minty crunch of crushed candy canes for a delightful twist on a classic. Soft yet slightly chewy, with a magical balance of flavors and a wonderful holiday vibe, these cookies are easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a delicious snack with seasonal flair, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to baking these irresistible cookies. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the rich creaminess of butter to the refreshing zing of candy canes, ensuring your cookies have perfect texture, sweetness, and that charming holiday look.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies a tender, rich base and helps with that perfect chewy texture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel note and extra moisture for softness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the dough together and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie dough with the right balance of chewiness and firmness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread evenly.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of lift for a softer crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Melts into sweet pockets of creamy goodness throughout each bite.
• 1 cup crushed candy canes: Provides that signature minty crunch and festive color.

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats—this keeps your cookies from sticking and ensures clean, easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth—about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to giving your cookies a soft texture and a sweet, rich foundation.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, beat in the eggs one at a time to help incorporate them evenly into the creamed mixture. Then add the vanilla extract and mix just until everything is well combined. Your dough is starting to come together with so much delicious promise!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will give your cookies their structure and ensure they bake perfectly.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until they are combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Candy Canes

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. The white chocolate adds creamy sweetness while the candy canes bring a refreshing minty crunch, making every bite a delightful surprise.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto your prepared sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This gives them room to spread slightly as they bake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are a light golden color. The centers might look a little underbaked, but that’s perfect—they will firm up as the cookies cool.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they have the perfect chew and don’t crumble apart.

How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few crushed candy canes on top of warm cookies right out of the oven, or dust with a light layer of powdered sugar. This adds a festive look and an extra pop of minty flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cozy mug of hot cocoa, or even a cup of peppermint tea to complement the mint and white chocolate flavors. These drinks create a comforting experience that enhances the cookie-eating joy.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these cookies on a holiday-themed platter or stack them in festive treat bags tied with red and white ribbons for gifting. They also make charming edible decorations for holiday parties, nestled alongside gingerbread or sugar cookies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best part about this White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is how well the cookies keep. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, and they’ll stay soft and flavorful, ready whenever you want a festive bite.

Freezing

To keep these cookies fresh even longer, freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll maintain their taste and texture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re craving a sweet treat.

Reheating

If you want that freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave them for about 10 seconds. The white chocolate will soften pleasantly, and the cookies will feel wonderfully just-made.

FAQs

Can I substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! While white chocolate gives a creamy sweetness perfect for this cookie, dark or milk chocolate chips can be used for a richer chocolate flavor. Just remember it will change the overall taste profile and look slightly different.

How finely should I crush the candy canes?

Crush the candy canes into small, but not powdery, pieces. You want noticeable crunchy bits to give texture without being too hard on the teeth. Crushing them with a rolling pin inside a sealed bag usually works perfectly.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps develop flavors and can result in thicker, chewier cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware it might affect texture.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place the candy canes in a sturdy zip-top bag and gently hit them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This keeps your kitchen clean and gives you control over how fine the pieces become.

Final Thoughts

This White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is the kind of treat that feels like a warm holiday hug in cookie form. Easy to make, wonderfully festive, and downright delicious, these cookies are guaranteed to add sparkle to your baking routine and smiles to everyone who tastes them. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new holiday classic!

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