There’s something truly magical about the holiday season—the warmth of family gatherings, the twinkling lights, and the sweet aroma of homemade cookies wafting through the house. These candy cane sugar cookies are a perfect embodiment of that magic. With their whimsical red-and-white twists and buttery vanilla flavor, they’re as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the taste buds.
The process of creating these cookies is almost as joyful as eating them. It starts with a soft, buttery dough that comes together quickly, transforming from crumbly to smooth as it’s mixed. A touch of vanilla bean paste infuses the dough with a fragrant sweetness, while a pinch of salt brings balance to the flavors. Dividing and coloring the dough adds a playful element to the baking experience, with the vibrant red hue signaling the festive season ahead.
Shaping the cookies is where the real fun begins. Rolling the dough into thin cylinders feels almost like crafting; it’s meditative yet creative. Twisting the red and white dough together evokes memories of childhood crafts, while shaping the twisted logs into candy cane hooks adds a nostalgic charm. Before they even hit the oven, these cookies already look like tiny pieces of art, lined up neatly on a parchment-covered tray.
As they bake, the house fills with the irresistible aroma of butter and sugar. Watching the transformation as the cookies turn golden at the edges is a simple joy. Each candy cane emerges from the oven with its distinct character—some perfectly twisted, others charmingly rustic.
Once cooled, these cookies are ready to brighten any dessert table. Their cheerful colors and iconic shape make them a conversation starter at holiday gatherings or a delightful homemade gift for loved ones. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of milk, and they’re guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.
Candy cane sugar cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience, a tradition, and a way to spread a little holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment in the kitchen, these cookies are a reminder of the simple joys that make the season special.
Candy Can Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
- 170 grams Butter
- 120 grams Sugar
- 300 grams Flour
- 2 tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Vanila Extract
- Green and Red food colouring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add the flour, milk, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is combined. The dough will look crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Set one portion aside in the refrigerator to chill briefly.
- Take the second portion and split it into two smaller parts. Add red food coloring to one of these smaller parts and knead until the color is evenly incorporated.
- From the plain dough, scoop out a golf ball-sized piece and roll it between your palms into a long cylinder, approximately 15 cm long and 1 cm thick. Repeat this process with the remaining plain and red dough.
- Take one plain cylinder and one red cylinder, and twist them together gently to form a candy cane shape. Place the shaped cookies onto the prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the white sections of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If at any point the dough seems too soft, pop it in the fridge for a bit but don’t keep it for too long so that the dough would still be workable.
- Use a ruler to get the cylinders the same length and make it look more uniform.
