Introduction
Is there anything more magical than the combination of white chocolate and crushed candy canes during the holiday season? These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are not just a treat; they’re the perfect bite of Christmas cheer in every crispy, melt-in-your-mouth bite. The sweet, creamy white chocolate chips blend effortlessly with the fresh, peppermint crunch, making this cookie one of my holiday favorites.
I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago when I was craving something sweet yet festive. I was baking all kinds of holiday cookies, and this one stood out like a shining star. The first time I took a bite, I knew it would be a family favorite. There’s something about the contrast between the rich white chocolate and the cool, minty candy cane bits that just screams Christmas. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can bake a batch, wrap them up in a cute tin, and hand them out as holiday gifts!
Whether you’re baking these for a cozy family gathering, a cookie exchange, or just because you want to add some festive cheer to your day, these cookies will quickly become a must-make during the holiday season. Let’s get to baking, because the magic happens when you pull that first batch out of the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a reason these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are such a hit during the holidays—and it’s not just because they look adorable. Here’s why you’ll love them too:
- Simple & Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of these cookies ready in no time!
- Perfect for the Holidays: The flavor combo of sweet white chocolate and cool peppermint is the perfect way to bring some festive spirit into your kitchen.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies are an excellent option for holiday gift-giving. They’re beautifully colorful and so fun to share.
- Family Favorite: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, will love these cookies. The texture is chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge, and the crunch from the candy canes is the perfect finish.
The rich, creamy white chocolate chips melt beautifully into the dough, creating that melt-in-your-mouth experience, while the candy cane pieces add a refreshing minty crunch. These cookies are just the right balance of sweetness and minty coolness, making them a festive treat that’s sure to be devoured in no time.
Preparation Time and Servings
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size of your dough balls.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories per serving: 200
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 9g
Sugar: 15g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base for your cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – To help the cookies rise perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup white sugar – Sweetness and a light, crisp texture.
- 1 large egg – To bind the dough together and add tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that comforting vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – The star of the cookie. Creamy and sweet, they melt perfectly.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes – For that peppermint crunch and festive red-and-white touch.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can also buy pre-crushed candy canes from most grocery stores. But if you’re feeling crafty, place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until you get the perfect bits of peppermint.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of steps—this recipe is easier than it looks, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Here’s how to make these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later. - Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will give your cookies that soft texture everyone loves. - Add the Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. This step helps incorporate the egg, giving the dough its soft texture. - Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly at first to avoid a flour explosion. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. - Fold in the White Chocolate & Crushed Candy Canes
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. It’s okay if the dough gets a little thick here—just use a spatula to ensure the candy canes are evenly distributed throughout. - Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll spread out nicely as they bake. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look a bit soft—don’t overbake! Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Serve on a festive platter: Add a couple of extra candy cane pieces on top for extra decoration.
- Pair with hot cocoa or tea: The creamy white chocolate and minty candy canes complement a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint tea perfectly.
- Gift them in a cute tin or box: Wrap them up in a holiday tin for an easy and delicious homemade gift.
Additional Tips
Here are five tips to make your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies even better:
- Use softened butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. Cold butter won’t incorporate as well into the dough.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Chill the dough: If you have the time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
- Add more candy canes: If you love the minty crunch, feel free to add an extra ¼ cup of crushed candy canes to the dough or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Be careful not to overbake: Remember, these cookies will continue cooking on the baking sheet after you take them out of the oven, so err on the side of underbaking slightly for a chewy texture.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: You can make these cookies gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Darker Chocolate Twist: If you prefer darker chocolate, feel free to replace the white chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. The peppermint will still shine through!
- Vegan Option: To make these cookies vegan, use dairy-free butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
- Double the Peppermint: Add peppermint extract to the dough for an even stronger minty flavor. A teaspoon should be perfect!
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: These cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a warm mug of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes.
- For kids: These cookies will be a hit with the little ones—serve them as a treat after holiday activities like tree decorating or ice skating.
- Wine Pairings: While you might not think of wine with cookies, a glass of dessert wine like Moscato or a light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the minty, creamy flavor of these cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in this recipe?
Yes! If you prefer dark or semi-sweet chocolate, feel free to swap out the white chocolate chips for your preferred chocolate variety. The peppermint flavor will still shine through, and you’ll have a richer, less sweet cookie.
2. How do I store these cookies?
To keep your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re baking them in advance, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake from frozen when you’re ready!
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Be sure to choose a blend with xanthan gum or add it separately if the blend doesn’t already contain it, as this helps with the cookie’s texture.
Print
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these decadent White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The base for your cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – To help the cookies rise perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup white sugar – Sweetness and a light, crisp texture.
- 1 large egg – To bind the dough together and add tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds that comforting vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips – The star of the cookie. Creamy and sweet, they melt perfectly.
- 1 cup crushed candy canes – For that peppermint crunch and festive red-and-white touch.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get baking! Don’t worry if it seems like a lot of steps—this recipe is easier than it looks, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro by the end. Here’s how to make these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:
- Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. - Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this bowl aside for later. - Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until it becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will give your cookies that soft texture everyone loves. - Add the Wet Ingredients
To the creamed butter and sugar, add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined. This step helps incorporate the egg, giving the dough its soft texture. - Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly at first to avoid a flour explosion. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough. - Fold in the White Chocolate & Crushed Candy Canes
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. It’s okay if the dough gets a little thick here—just use a spatula to ensure the candy canes are evenly distributed throughout. - Form the Cookie Dough Balls
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, roll the dough into balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll spread out nicely as they bake. - Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden, and the centers will look a bit soft—don’t overbake! Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
Conclusion
There’s nothing like the joy of sharing freshly baked cookies during the holidays, and these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your house. The balance of smooth white chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes them a perfect seasonal treat, while their soft texture and festive appearance make them great for gifting. So, whether you’re looking for something new to bring to a holiday party or just want to spread some Christmas cheer, these cookies are the way to go.
Get ready to add a new holiday tradition to your baking repertoire, because these cookies are simply irresistible!
