Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

These festive Christmas cookies combine crushed candy canes with white chocolate chips for the perfect holiday treat. They're soft, chewy and full of peppermint flavor. Great for cookie exchanges, gifts or enjoying with family!

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 11 May 2025 20:57:23 GMT
A plate of festive cookies featuring white chocolate and bits of red and white peppermint. Pin it
A plate of festive cookies featuring white chocolate and bits of red and white peppermint. | zestplate.com

Last Christmas I whipped up these White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies and now my family can't get enough of them. They've got this amazing chewy texture with crunchy candy cane pieces and melty white chocolate chunks throughout. There's no waiting around for dough to chill - just mix everything up and pop them in the oven. They're my go-to when I need something sweet fast.

What Makes These Holiday Treats Special

When these are in the oven, my house turns into a Christmas wonderland. The candy canes transform into sweet minty pockets while the white chocolate gets all soft and gooey. These always vanish first at holiday parties, and their festive red and white look makes any dessert spread more cheerful.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Butter: One stick unsalted, grab the premium kind.
  • Shortening: This is what keeps them tender for several days.
  • Sugars: Both brown and white give the best taste balance.
  • Eggs: Grab 2 large ones straight from your refrigerator.
  • Peppermint Extract: Just a tiny bit packs plenty of flavor.
  • Flour: Make sure to level off your measuring cups.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Higher quality ones melt much nicer.
  • Candy Canes: Crush them into chunks, not powder.

How To Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Get Your Base Ready
Cream together your shortening butter and sugars until it's light and fluffy. Add in the eggs peppermint and vanilla, then gradually mix in your dry ingredients.
Mix In The Extras
Fold in your crushed candy canes and white chocolate pieces. You'll want to sample the dough here - it's irresistible.
Into The Oven
Drop spoonfuls onto your baking sheet and bake at 350 for around 9 minutes. Press a few extra chocolate chips on top while they're still warm for a prettier look.
A plate of chewy cookies with white chocolate chips and pieces of peppermint candy. Pin it
A plate of chewy cookies with white chocolate chips and pieces of peppermint candy. | zestplate.com

Storage Tips

I often double the batch and throw half the dough in the freezer. It's awesome having cookie dough ready when unexpected visitors come by. You can freeze the baked cookies too - just warm them up a bit before serving. They're perfect little gifts in holiday containers, and my neighbors always look forward to getting them each December.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 2 months. When baking from frozen, add 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container.

→ Why add white chocolate chips on top after baking?

Adding chips right after baking creates an attractive look and ensures the chocolate stays visible. It's optional but makes the cookies look extra pretty for holiday sharing.

→ How do I crush candy canes properly?

Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet. Aim for small pieces but not powder. You can also use a food processor with short pulses.

→ Can I skip the peppermint extract?

While possible, the extract helps distribute peppermint flavor throughout. Without it, you'll only get bursts of mint from the candy canes. Start with less if you prefer subtle mint.

→ How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for edges that are lightly set but centers that still look slightly underbaked. They'll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from oven.

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

Create delicious holiday cookies filled with crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips. Perfect chewy texture and festive peppermint flavor!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 36 Servings (36)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1/2 cup shortening.
03 1 cup white sugar.
04 3/4 cup brown sugar.
05 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
06 1 teaspoon peppermint extract.
07 2 large eggs.
08 3 cups all-purpose flour.
09 1 teaspoon baking soda.
10 1/2 teaspoon salt.
11 3/4 cup crushed candy canes.
12 1 cup white chocolate chips, plus extra for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment.

Step 02

Beat butter, shortening and sugars until fluffy (2 minutes).

Step 03

Mix in vanilla, peppermint, then eggs one at a time.

Step 04

Add flour, baking soda and salt on low speed.

Step 05

Stir in candy canes and white chocolate chips.

Step 06

Roll dough into 1-1.5 tablespoon balls.

Step 07

Place 2 inches apart on sheets.

Step 08

Bake 8-10 minutes until tops look set.

Step 09

Add extra chips on top while warm.

Step 10

Cool 10 minutes on sheet, then move to rack.

Notes

  1. Can make larger cookies using 3 tablespoons dough.
  2. Dough can be frozen up to 2 months.
  3. Makes great holiday gifts.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer.
  • Cookie sheets.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, white chocolate).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 140
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 2 g