White chocolate candy cane cookies are a festive treat that brings holiday cheer to any occasion. With their delightful combination of creamy white chocolate and crunchy, minty candy canes, theyβre sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply enjoying by the fireplace, these cookies deliver a deliciously sweet and refreshing taste, making them a standout dessert.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: The mix of white chocolate and peppermint creates a delightful holiday flavor that captures the spirit of the season.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels, from beginners to pros.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasionsβholiday parties, gift-giving, or cozy nights at home.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to bake with children; theyβll love crushing the candy canes and decorating!
- Make Ahead: These cookies can be made in advance and stored, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your white chocolate candy cane cookies, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Importance of Each Tool
- Cookie scoop or spoon: Helps in portioning dough evenly for uniform baking.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess; larger bowls prevent spills.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps in your cookie batter.
Ingredients
For the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl:
* Cream together the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time:
* Add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until mixed well.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture:
* Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate and Candy Canes
Gently fold in:
* The white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon:
* Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Place in the preheated oven:
* Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
Step 9: Cool
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet:
* Let them sit for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these delightful white chocolate candy cane cookies during your festive celebrations!
How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
White chocolate candy cane cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside various treats and beverages. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your festive gatherings.
Serve with Hot Chocolate
- A warm mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these cookies, complementing the creamy white chocolate and mint flavors.
Pair with Coffee
- Enjoy these cookies alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that balances sweetness with rich coffee flavor.
Create a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your white chocolate candy cane cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats like sugar cookies, gingerbread, and peppermint bark for a colorful dessert table.
Gift Them
- Package a dozen cookies in a decorative box or jar as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.
How to Perfect White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Perfecting your white chocolate candy cane cookies can elevate them from good to great. Here are some helpful tips that will make each batch irresistible.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother dough and better texture in the final cookie.
Donβt Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and keeps them nice and thick.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality white chocolate chips and fresh candy canes to enhance flavor and texture in your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
While white chocolate candy cane cookies are delightful on their own, they can be even more enjoyable when paired with some tasty side dishes. Here are some suggestions to consider:
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider offers festive flavors that complement the minty sweetness of the cookies.
Creamy Eggnog: Pair these cookies with homemade or store-bought eggnog for a classic holiday combination that everyone loves.
Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda to balance out the sweetness of the cookies.
Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit adds brightness to your dessert spread; consider including berries, citrus fruits, or pomegranate seeds.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a small fondue pot; guests can dip pieces of cookie into rich melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini vanilla or peppermint cupcakes alongside your cookies for an extra sweet option that matches their festive flavor profile.
Peppermint Bark: Enhance the holiday spirit by serving peppermint bark, which echoes the candy cane theme found in your cookies.
Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts provides a crunchy contrast to your soft cookies and is easy to prepare ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making white chocolate candy cane cookies, itβs easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a soft texture.
- Skipping Chilling Time: If you donβt chill the dough, the cookies may spread too much while baking. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Not Measuring Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for precision.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect how well they combine with other ingredients. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: An oven thatβs too hot or too cold can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Container: Keep in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, and separate layers with parchment paper.
Reheating White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for about 10-15 seconds; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my cookies thicker?
To achieve thicker cookies, try chilling your dough before baking and adding an extra tablespoon of flour.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to substitute white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
What can I use instead of crushed candy canes?
If you donβt have candy canes, peppermint extract is a great alternative. Add about 1/2 teaspoon for flavor.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
White chocolate candy cane cookies are not only festive but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different flavors or toppings based on your preferences. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies will surely bring joy during the holiday season. Give this recipe a try and let the delightful flavors brighten your celebrations!

White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Author: Adeline
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive delight of White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies, a sweet treat that perfectly blends creamy white chocolate with refreshing minty candy canes. These cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering, whether for cookie exchanges, cozy family nights, or as thoughtful homemade gifts. Their vibrant flavors and cheerful appearance make them an instant crowd-pleaser, and they are simple enough for bakers of all skill levels to create. With just a few essential ingredients and straightforward steps, youβll have these delicious cookies ready to share in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden; centers may look slightly underbaked but will set while cooling.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 144
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. You can also substitute crushed candy canes with peppermint extractβadd around half a teaspoon for flavor enhancement.








