White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
If you’re dreaming of the perfect holiday treat with just the right balance of sweetness and festive flair, the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe has got your back. These cookies are a delightful marriage of creamy white chocolate and the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery base that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with seasonal joy, making them an absolute must-bake for anyone looking to up their festive cookie game this year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—this lineup of ingredients is the secret to achieving that perfect chewy texture, balanced sweetness, and eye-catching holiday charm. Each element serves a special purpose, whether it’s creating the right dough consistency or delivering those signature flavors.
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and gives the cookies their tender crumb.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft but sturdy bite.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors perfectly.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with spread and texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings moisture and a subtle hint of caramel flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together for a moist and tender cookie.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic note to the dough.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips: Provides creamy pockets of luscious sweetness in every bite.
- ½ cup crushed candy canes: Infuses a crunchy, minty surprise and festive color specks throughout the cookies.
How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by waking up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to make sure your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden edge we all love. Prep your baking sheet with parchment paper to keep those cookies from sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed and that every cookie has the perfect texture. Taking a moment here really pays off in the final product.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a separate bowl, then beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this step is key! The air you incorporate here results in that irresistible bite. Once smooth, add in your eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring it all together.
Step 4: Combine and Add Mix-Ins
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding them gently until a soft dough forms. Finally, stir in those glorious white chocolate chips and the crushed candy canes. Your dough will look festive even before it hits the oven, speckled with red and white bits promising deliciousness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. The cookies will spread a bit, so give them wiggle room. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. That slight crisp on the outside combined with a chewy center is pure cookie magic.
How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, you can always sprinkle a few extra crushed candy canes on top immediately after baking for crunch and a dazzling look. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snow-kissed flourish that feels ultra festive.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa, perhaps topped with marshmallows or peppermint whip cream, to complement the minty notes. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice that never disappoints, too, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine arranging your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe on a holiday platter lined with fresh pine branches or holly for an instant festive centerpiece. Wrapping them in cellophane with a red ribbon makes for an irresistible edible gift. You could even sandwich two cookies with peppermint buttercream for an extra-special treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain their chewy texture and peppermint crunch for up to a week—if they last that long! Adding a slice of bread to the container helps preserve their softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough before baking by shaping it into balls and freezing them on a tray, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake the cookies straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well too—wrap tightly and thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm up leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes. This revives the softness and melts the white chocolate chips to create that fresh-from-the-oven feeling all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of white chocolate?
Absolutely! While white chocolate provides a creamy contrast to the peppermint, semisweet or milk chocolate chips will work nicely and create a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Do I have to crush the candy canes myself?
Crushing candy canes fresh helps retain that crisp crunch and bright peppermint flavor, but you can also find pre-crushed candy cane pieces at some stores, which makes prep quicker.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about a week. Beyond that, they might start to dry out, but freezing is a great option to extend their life.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy gluten-free White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies that hold together well and taste delicious.
What’s the best way to get the candy canes evenly distributed?
Mix the crushed candy canes in gently but thoroughly after combining the wet and dry ingredients. This ensures the peppermint pieces are spread through every scoop of dough for consistent flavor in every cookie.
Final Thoughts
Trying the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is like inviting a festive hug into your kitchen. These cookies bring a cheery holiday spirit in every bite, combining creamy sweetness and refreshing peppermint crunch. Whether you’re baking for a party, the kids, or just indulging your own sweet tooth, these treats are guaranteed to delight. So, preheat that oven and get ready to make some holiday magic happen!
Print
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these festive White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, a perfect holiday treat combining the creamy sweetness of white chocolate with the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes. These soft-baked cookies are easy to make and ideal for sharing during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine and add mix-ins: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes to evenly distribute them in the dough.
- Bake: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to prevent spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure proper creaming and texture.
- Crushing the candy canes fresh helps to retain their peppermint flavor and provides a nice crunch.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft in the center and lightly golden on the edges.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
