If you’re looking for a sweet and festive cookie to add to your holiday dessert table, look no further than White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are studded with crunchy candy cane pieces and drizzled with creamy white chocolate, creating the perfect combination of sweet, minty, and chocolatey flavors. They’re the perfect treat for gifting, holiday parties, or simply indulging yourself during the holiday season.
What makes these cookies so special is the balance of flavors and textures. The rich and buttery cookie base is complemented by the refreshing crunch of the candy cane pieces, and the white chocolate drizzle adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess. These cookies not only taste amazing but also have a beautiful, festive look that will brighten up any holiday spread.
I first made White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies when I was looking for a fun, holiday-themed treat to make for a cookie exchange. The combination of minty candy canes and rich white chocolate was a huge hit, and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes. They’re easy to make, look gorgeous, and taste even better!
Why These White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
- Festive and delicious: The combination of crushed candy canes and creamy white chocolate makes these cookies a perfect holiday treat.
- Crunchy and creamy: The candy cane pieces add a nice crunch, while the white chocolate drizzle provides a smooth, sweet contrast.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy holiday baking sessions.
- Great for gifting: These cookies make a beautiful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
- Perfect for parties: Their festive appearance and delightful minty flavor make these cookies a hit at any holiday party or gathering.
Cuisine: American, Holiday Treats, Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (about 6-8 mini candy canes)
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smooth drizzling)
How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Make the cookie dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. - Add the candy canes:
Gently fold the crushed candy canes into the cookie dough, being careful not to break them up too much. You want to keep some larger pieces for that perfect minty crunch. - Shape the cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down each cookie ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly. - Bake the cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Drizzle the white chocolate:
While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. - Decorate the cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag. If desired, sprinkle a few more crushed candy cane pieces over the top for an extra festive touch. - Serve and enjoy:
Allow the white chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends!
Tips
- Use high-quality white chocolate: For the best drizzle, use good-quality white chocolate chips or even a white chocolate bar. The higher the quality, the smoother and creamier the drizzle will be.
- Crush the candy canes: To crush the candy canes, place them in a plastic bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin, or use a food processor for a finer texture.
- Let the white chocolate set: After drizzling the white chocolate, allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so the chocolate has time to set before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate: If you’re not a fan of white chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate for the drizzle instead.
- Add more flavor: You can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough for an even stronger mint flavor, or mix in some mini chocolate chips for added sweetness.
- Try different candy canes: If you want a more colorful touch, use flavored candy canes like cherry or strawberry for a different twist.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use a healthier sweetener: Substitute the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup, though the texture may change slightly.
- Use whole wheat flour: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use dairy-free alternatives: If you need a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy white chocolate substitute.
Closing
And there you have it! White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect combination of sweet, minty, and creamy, making them the ultimate holiday treat. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just enjoying a cozy snack at home, these cookies will bring some holiday cheer to everyone who tries them. Don’t forget to let us know how your cookies turn out, and be sure to check out more of our holiday recipes for more delicious inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies and drizzle the white chocolate later. - Can I use a different type of chocolate for the drizzle?
Yes! You can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate for the white chocolate drizzle for a different flavor. - How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. - Can I use flavored candy canes?
Absolutely! You can use flavored candy canes like cherry or strawberry for a fun twist on these cookies. - How do I crush the candy canes?
Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin to gently crush them, or pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture. - Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the dough for added flavor and crunch. - How can I make these cookies more festive?
Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, edible glitter, or a drizzle of different colored chocolate for an extra festive touch. - Can I use peppermint extract in the dough?
Yes, you can add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cookie dough to enhance the minty flavor.
White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For the Cookies:
1 cup 1 unsalted butter, softened
1 cup 1 granulated sugar
1 large 1 egg
1 teaspoon 1 vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups 2 1/2 all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon 1 baking powder
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 salt
1/2 cup 1/2 crushed candy canes (about 6-8 mini candy canes)
- For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
1 cup 1 white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon 1 vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smooth drizzling)
Directions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the cookie dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Add the candy canes:
- Gently fold the crushed candy canes into the cookie dough, being careful not to break them up too much. You want to keep some larger pieces for that perfect minty crunch.
- Shape the cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press down each cookie ball with your fingers or the bottom of a glass to flatten them slightly.
- Bake the cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle the white chocolate:
- While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips and vegetable oil together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Decorate the cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of each cookie using a spoon or a piping bag. If desired, sprinkle a few more crushed candy cane pieces over the top for an extra festive touch.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Allow the white chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or as a sweet treat to share with family and friends!
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