Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

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Crunchy, festive, and packed with peppermint flavor, these Crispy Candy Cane Cookies are a must for your holiday baking list. With a melt-in-your-mouth buttery base and a topping of crushed candy canes, they deliver the perfect snap and sparkle that captures the season’s magic.

These cookies are thin yet crisp, ideal for dunking in hot cocoa or enjoying on their own. The contrast of creamy vanilla and cool peppermint makes each bite a delightful treat. They’re easy to make and even easier to share—if you don’t eat them all first!

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What Kind of Candy Canes Should I Use?

Stick to classic peppermint candy canes for the most nostalgic flavor. Avoid the fruity or colored varieties—unless you want a rainbow of cookies! Crush them by placing in a zip-top bag and hitting gently with a rolling pin or mallet.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
• Optional: white chocolate drizzle for decoration

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How To Make the Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Shape and Flatten

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with your fingers or the bottom of a glass.

Step 5: Add Crushed Candy Canes

Sprinkle crushed candy canes generously on top of each cookie. Gently press them in so they stick.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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How to Serve and Store Crispy Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are fantastic served fresh with a warm drink like hot cocoa, spiced cider, or peppermint tea. They’re also a showstopper on holiday cookie trays.

To store, place in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them crisp, add a piece of bread to the container—it helps maintain their texture.

For longer storage, freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

Do I have to use peppermint candy canes?

Peppermint is classic, but you can try crushed mint candies or peppermint bark for a twist.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your candy canes are certified gluten-free too.

How do I get the cookies extra crispy?

Bake them a minute or two longer and let them cool completely. Thinner cookies crisp better, so flatten slightly more before baking.

Can I decorate with chocolate?

Yes! A white or dark chocolate drizzle adds a fancy touch and pairs beautifully with peppermint.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Crispy Candy Cane Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other festive treats:

• Lemon Churro Cookies for a bright, citrusy zing with a warm sugar coating.
• Pecan Pie Bites for a rich, nutty burst in every bite.
• Peppermint Bark Recipe for more chocolatey peppermint joy.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake when you’re craving something rich and creamy.
• Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies for a quick fix of classic cookie flavor.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time. Follow Nina Dishes on Pinterest for more sweet inspirations.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the peppermint or add a drizzle of chocolate? Did they disappear from the cookie plate in minutes?

I love hearing how you make these your own—questions and creative tweaks are always welcome!

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