White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that screams holiday cheer, these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are just the ticket! They’re soft, chewy, and filled with the festive spirit of Christmas. I absolutely love how easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just imagine the joy on everyone’s faces when they take that first bite! These cookies not only taste amazing, but they also look stunning with their sprinkle of candy cane pieces and white chocolate chips.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or gearing up for a holiday party, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and sweetness to your celebrations. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this cookie recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping out by crushing candy canes and mixing the dough!
• Perfectly Festive Flavor: The combination of peppermint and white chocolate makes every bite a holiday delight.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These cookies store well, so you can bake them in advance and enjoy them throughout the season.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant red and white colors make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies requires only simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 cup white chocolate chips (plus more for dotting on the tops)

Variations

This cookie recipe is quite flexible, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Try Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap out white chocolate chips for dark chocolate to add a rich flavor contrast.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: Add dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with the peppermint.
• Make Them Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and substitute flax eggs for the regular eggs.

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350F degrees. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. While that’s heating up, line your cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy—about 2 minutes should do it! This process creates air pockets that will help make your cookies light and chewy.

Step 3: Add Flavorings and Eggs

Next, mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Then add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps bind everything together while infusing those wonderful flavors!

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Turn down your mixer speed to low and gently mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt. If your dough feels sticky when squeezed between your fingers, add a bit more flour—one tablespoon at a time—to achieve the right consistency.

Step 5: Fold in Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in your crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This adds that festive touch we all love!

Step 6: Shape Your Cookies

Using about 1 – 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, form balls and place them about two inches apart on your lined cookie sheets. Giving them space allows them to spread perfectly while baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Just Set

Bake your cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until the tops look just set. As soon as they come out of the oven, feel free to place a few extra white chocolate chips on top for decoration if you like!

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps them firm up while still being soft on the inside.

And there you have it—your very own batch of White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies! Enjoy sharing (or keeping) these festive treats during this joyful season!

Pro Tips for Making White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a joyous experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they come out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, creating a fluffy dough that bakes evenly.
• Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading. This results in thicker cookies that maintain their shape.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be just set in the middle. They will continue to firm up as they cool, giving you that soft and chewy texture.
• Experiment with candy cane sizes: Crushing your candy canes into different sizes adds visual interest and varying textures in each bite. You could even reserve some larger pieces for garnishing on top!
• Mix in some fun: Feel free to get creative! Adding a sprinkle of festive colored sugar or drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies can make them even more festive and appealing.

How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights. Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Crushed candy cane sprinkles: Lightly sprinkle some extra crushed candy canes on top of each cookie right after they come out of the oven for a pop of color and crunch.
• Drizzled white chocolate: Melt some white chocolate chips and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that enhances their sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies! The rich chocolate flavor complements the peppermint beautifully.
• Peppermint tea: For a lighter option, serve these cookies alongside peppermint tea. The fresh minty flavor balances well with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cookies!
• Fruit platter: A fresh fruit platter can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Consider including strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced oranges for vibrant colors and flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies will surely spread holiday cheer! Enjoy sharing (or indulging) in every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• For optimal freshness, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; this helps to keep them soft.

Freezing

• Allow baked cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350F degrees.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft again.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries regarding these delightful cookies.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?

Absolutely! While this recipe features white chocolate chips, feel free to swap them out with dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer flavor.

How do I make my White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies more festive?

Consider adding colored sprinkles or additional crushed candy canes on top before baking. This will enhance their festive appearance!

Can I substitute the peppermint extract in my White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies?

Yes! If you don’t have peppermint extract, you can use vanilla extract or leave it out entirely. The cookies will still taste delicious!

How can I make these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies gluten-free?

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies as much as I do! They truly capture the spirit of the season with their soft, chewy texture and festive flavors. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying them with your family, they are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with sweetness!