There’s a certain joy that comes with the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially during the holiday season. Picture this: a warm, cozy kitchen where the aroma of peppermint and melted white chocolate coalesce, creating an atmosphere so inviting, it beckons everyone to gather around. That’s how my day began when I decided to whip up a batch of White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies.
These delightful treats strike the perfect balance between festive cheer and comfort food. As I rummaged through my pantry, I stumbled upon a forgotten stash of candy canes and knew instantly that a sweet transformation was in order. Inspired, I created a cookie that combines creamy white chocolate chips with the refreshing zing of crushed candy canes—ideal for sharing at holiday parties or simply indulging after a long day.
Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this easy, comforting recipe, perfect for anyone craving a homemade touch amidst the busy holiday hustle!
Why are White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies a must-try?
Irresistible Holiday Treat: These cookies are a festive delight, blending creamy white chocolate with minty candy cane crunch.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready to enjoy in no time.
Crowd Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, they’re sure to disappear quickly at any holiday event.
Cheerful Presentation: Their vibrant colors and festive appearance make them a charming addition to dessert platters.
Cozy Kitchen Vibes: Baking these treats fills your home with warm, inviting aromas, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them fresh from the oven or gift them as sweet homemade delights to friends and family.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Ingredients
Get ready for a festive baking adventure!
For the Cookie Dough
• Unsalted butter – softened for a rich, creamy texture.
• Shortening – adds tenderness and helps retain moisture in the cookies.
• White sugar – contributes sweetness and helps achieve a lovely golden color.
• Brown sugar – brings in a hint of caramel flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor with warm undertones.
• Peppermint extract – gives those delightful White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies their signature minty touch.
• Large eggs – binds the ingredients together while adding richness.
• All-purpose flour – forms the base of the dough for structure.
• Baking soda – acts as a leavening agent for soft, chewy cookies.
• Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
For the Mix-ins
• Crushed candy canes – adds a festive crunch and bursts of peppermint goodness.
• White chocolate chips – melt beautifully, giving a creamy contrast to the crunchy candy canes.
• More white chocolate chips (optional) – perfect for dotting the tops to make them extra special!
How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare cookie sheets. Line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later—this is crucial for those perfect cookie bottoms!
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Cream the butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes. This base will create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth!
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Add both vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix in eggs, one at a time, ensuring they’re well combined. Your dough will start smelling like Christmas magic!
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Combine the dry ingredients. Turn your mixer to low speed and gradually blend in the flour, baking soda, and salt. If your dough feels sticky, don’t hesitate to add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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Stir in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed. The festive mix-ins will create that much-loved crunch and creamy chocolate goodness!
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Scoop the dough into balls about 1 – 1.5 tablespoons in size, and place them 2 inches apart on the lined cookie sheets. There’s no need to squish them down; they’ll spread perfectly as they bake!
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Bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the tops look just set. For an extra touch, add a few white chocolate chips on top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven (optional).
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Cool cookies on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they maintain their chewy center!
Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a lovely finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewy texture and fresh taste.
Fridge: For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge in an airtight container, where they can last up to 1 week. Just let them come to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezer: Freeze your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy frozen cookies, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Make Ahead Options
These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to preserve freshness. If you prefer, you can also scoop the individual cookie dough balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just place them on a baking sheet for an hour before transferring to a container. When ready to bake, no need to thaw; simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, festive cookies with minimal effort on those bustling days!
Expert Tips for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother dough that mixes uniformly and bakes evenly.
- Don’t Overmix: After adding flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
- Candy Cane Crunch: For optimal crunch, crush your candy canes into larger pieces, avoiding a dust. This adds both flavor and festive flair to your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies!
- Baking Time Alert: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking; they are done when the tops are just set but still soft. They’ll firm up while cooling.
- Parchment Paper Importance: Lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also helps achieve those golden, perfectly baked bottoms.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and tailor these cookies to your taste preferences!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for proper texture.
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Peppermint-Free: Use vanilla extract instead of peppermint for a milder flavor. These will be deliciously sweet without the minty kick.
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Dark Chocolate: Swap out white chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the candy canes.
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Nutty Addition: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. The nuts will add an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy twist. This enhances the holiday vibe with cozy flavors.
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Cookie Sandwich: Spread a layer of peppermint frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat. These jolly sandwiches make perfect gifts!
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Mini Cookies: Make smaller cookies using 1 tablespoon of dough each. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing and snacking!
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More Festive Color: Add a few drops of red or green food coloring to the dough for a fun holiday color. It makes the cookies visually appealing for any gathering.
What to Serve with White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?
Baking these cookies fills your home with memories of warm holidays, making them an irresistible treat for friends and family.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing, the creamy warmth complements the minty freshness of the cookies, creating a cozy indulgence.
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Peppermint Bark: The enhanced peppermint flavors in this festive treat amplify the candy cane essence, making for a magical dessert platter.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast, melting beautifully alongside the cookies while adding a soothing flavor.
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Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea brings an aromatic touch that harmonizes with the minty notes, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
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Milk: There’s nothing like the classic combo of cookies and milk! The refreshing flavor of the cookies pairs beautifully with icy, cold milk.
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Holiday Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds a zesty brightness to your dessert table, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a refreshing crunch.
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Mulled Wine: The warm spices in mulled wine enhance the festive spirit, making it an excellent companion for holiday cookie exchanges.
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Chocolate Fondue: For a fun twist, dip cookie pieces in melted chocolate fondue, creating a rich, decadent experience that everyone will love.
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Nostalgic Eggnog: This creamy, spiced beverage pairs perfectly with the cookies, celebrating both flavors of the season in every sip.
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Sugar Cookies: Add a classic touch by serving these alongside traditional sugar cookies for a delightful variety on your dessert spread.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of candy canes should I use?
Absolutely! You can use regular peppermint candy canes or even specialty flavored ones for a twist. Just ensure they are freshly unwrapped and not too stale for the best crunch and flavor!
How should I store my White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?
Very much so! To freeze your cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed—this helps avoid sticking. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is sticky, don’t fret! Simply add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Mix gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tougher cookies.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
If you or your loved ones have allergies, these cookies contain common allergens like wheat, eggs, and dairy. For gluten-free options, you could substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Always check your candy canes and white chocolate for gluten-free certifications if that’s a concern!
How do I ensure my cookies come out perfectly chewy?
To achieve that delightful chewiness, avoid overmixing your dough after adding the flour. Mix just until combined, and keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. Pull them out as soon as they are just set but still soft—this helps them retain their chewy center!
Delicious White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare cookie sheets lined with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add both vanilla extract and peppermint extract, then mix in eggs, one at a time.
- Combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing gradually.
- Stir in the crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough into balls about 1 - 1.5 tablespoons in size, placing them 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, removing them when the tops look just set.
- Cool cookies on the sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Optional: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a finishing touch.