There is something truly magical about holiday baking, and the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe captures that festive spirit in every bite. These cookies bring together soft, buttery dough with luscious white chocolate chips and the bright, refreshing crunch of crushed peppermint candy canes. Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat to share at cookie exchanges or cozy up with on chilly winter evenings, this recipe has become one of my all-time favorites for spreading warmth and sweetness during the holidays.

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that classic holiday aesthetic. From creamy butter to the refreshing peppermint crunch, everything works together harmoniously.

1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes cookies tender and moist.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that crisp edge we love on cookies.
½ cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a subtle caramel flavor and chewy texture to the dough.
2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and adds structure to the cookies.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The main dry ingredient, giving the cookies their body and chew.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect lightness.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
1 ½ cups white chocolate chips: Delivers creamy pockets of sweetness in every bite.
¾ cup crushed candy canes: Adds a signature peppermint crunch and festive flair.

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, and you’ll have a stress-free cleanup.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture the cookies are known for.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a lovely warm aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps prevent any lumps in the dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as the dough comes together.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes

Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. The chips create creamy bursts, while the candy canes add delightful texture and that unmistakable peppermint zing.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes, until the edges barely turn golden but the centers remain soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack—it helps them set up perfectly.

How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate back over the top once the cookies have cooled. Sprinkle a few more crushed peppermint pieces on top for added color and crunch that guests will adore.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or classic eggnog to keep the holiday spirit going strong. They also complement a cheese board with mild cheeses and fresh fruit for a unique dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, stack the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe in a pretty tin or wrap them in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. You can also create cookie sandwiches with peppermint-flavored frosting or a layer of marshmallow fluff in between for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for holiday parties or last-minute snacking.

Freezing

You can freeze the cookie dough before baking by rolling it into logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, slice and bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to revive any leftover cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to soften or warm them lightly in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This will bring out that freshly baked feel and soften the white chocolate to perfection.

FAQs

Can I substitute dark chocolate chips for white chocolate?

Absolutely! While the original White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe shines with white chocolate’s creamy sweetness, dark chocolate chips provide a richer flavor that pairs nicely with peppermint. Just keep an eye on baking time, as dark chocolate can sometimes melt differently.

Do I have to use candy canes, or can I use peppermint extract?

You can add peppermint extract to the dough to boost the mint flavor, but crushed candy canes add both flavor and texture, giving the cookies their signature festive crunch. If you use extract alone, reduce it slightly since it’s more concentrated.

How do I prevent the candy canes from making the dough too gritty?

Using finely crushed candy canes is key to avoid grit and ensure even distribution. You can crush them in a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and gently crush with a rolling pin.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or another egg substitute. Also, look for vegan white chocolate chips and ensure your candy canes are free from animal-derived ingredients.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Cookie spreading can happen if the butter is too warm or the dough is too soft. Try chilling your dough for 15 to 30 minutes before baking to help cookies keep their shape. Also, make sure you’re measuring flour accurately.

Final Thoughts

Making the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is like wrapping up a holiday hug in cookie form. Each bite bursts with creamy white chocolate and bright peppermint, creating a festive treat that’s as fun to bake as it is to share. I encourage you to bring this recipe into your kitchen and watch how it becomes a cherished tradition that family and friends look forward to every season.