Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Candy cane cookies are a classic holiday treat. They are often made during winter and shared with family and friends. The red and white twist looks festive and familiar. Many people recognize them right away. These cookies often show up at cookie exchanges and holiday parties.

These cookies have a mild, sweet flavor. The almond and vanilla give them a soft taste. The peppermint on top adds a light crunch and a cool finish. Even people who do not like strong mint usually enjoy these. They pair well with milk or hot cocoa.

Candy cane cookies are also fun to make. The dough is shaped by hand, which makes them a good choice for baking with kids. Scouts often enjoy helping roll and twist the dough. Each cookie looks a little different, which adds to their charm.

This recipe makes a large batch. That makes it useful for group events or service projects. You can share them with neighbors, teachers, or troop leaders. They also work well for holiday trays or gift bags.

Candy cane cookies became popular in the United States in the mid-1900s. Home bakers liked how the cookies matched the look of real candy canes. The red and white colors fit well with Christmas themes. They were often shaped by hand before many kitchen tools were common.

Peppermint candy has long been linked to winter holidays. Candy canes were first used as decorations, not snacks. Over time, people started crushing them for baking. This helped add flavor and reduce waste from broken candy.

Many families make these cookies every year. The recipe is often passed down. Some people remember making them with parents or grandparents. Baking them can bring back those memories.

Candy cane cookies are also popular with Scouts. They are good for learning basic baking skills. Measuring, mixing, and shaping are all simple steps. They are a good fit for holiday activities or badge work.

Equipment And Materials

• mixing bowls
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• spoon or mixer
• baking sheet
• oven
• cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Setup Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Gather all ingredients and tools.
3. Lightly grease a baking sheet or use parchment paper.

Recipe Instructions

1. Mix the butter, shortening, powdered sugar, egg, and extracts in a bowl.
2. Stir in the flour and salt.
3. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
4. Add red food coloring to one half of the dough.
5. Take one teaspoon of white dough and roll it into a 4 inch strip.
6. Take one teaspoon of red dough and roll it into a 4 inch strip.
7. Place the strips side by side and twist them together.
8. Curve the dough to look like a candy cane.
9. Place on the baking sheet.
10. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
11. Sprinkle with sugar and crushed peppermint if desired.
12. Bake for 9 minutes.
13. Cool on a rack.

Notes And Variations

• Watch the cookies closely so they do not brown.
• Skip the peppermint if you want a plain cookie.
• Use food safe gloves if kids are adding color.
• Let cookies cool before packing or stacking.

Click here for a printable copy of the Candy Cane Cookies Recipe Instructions

Cubs in the Kitchen

Cooking is a great way for Scouts to learn useful skills. It helps them follow directions and work as a team. It also gives families a chance to spend time together. Simple recipes work best, especially for Cub Scouts. When kids help in the kitchen, they feel proud of what they make.

If you want more ideas, visit my Cubs in the Kitchen page. It has easy recipes that work well for Scouting families. Many of them fit den meetings, campouts, or home activities. You will find snacks, desserts, and simple meals. These recipes are chosen with kids in mind. Take a look and try something new with your Scouts.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. You can make the dough a day ahead. Wrap it well and keep it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for a short time before shaping.

Do I have to use almond extract?

No. You can use only vanilla if you prefer. The flavor will be mild and still good.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This can happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for a short time before shaping. Also check that your butter was not too soft.

Can kids help make these cookies?

Yes. Kids can help roll and twist the dough. An adult should handle the oven and baking sheet.

Do I need to add the peppermint topping?

No. The cookies taste good without it. The topping is optional and adds crunch and mint flavor.

How should I store the cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for several days at room temperature.

Candy cane cookies are a classic holiday cookie. They are easy to recognize by their red and white shape. Many families make them every year. They fit well on cookie trays and gift plates. The look alone makes them feel special and seasonal.

The flavor is gentle and sweet. Almond and vanilla give the cookie a soft taste. The peppermint on top adds a light crunch and a cool note. You can leave the peppermint off if you want a plain cookie. Either way, they pair well with milk or hot cocoa.

These cookies are fun to make with kids. Rolling and twisting the dough is simple. Each cookie turns out a little different. That makes the process relaxed and forgiving. They work well for Scout events, family baking days, or quiet afternoons at home.

The recipe also makes a large batch. This is helpful when you need many cookies at once. They are easy to share and easy to store. Candy cane cookies are a good choice when you want something familiar and festive.