Crisp edges giving way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center, these Cozy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect embodiment of holiday cheer. The delicate sweetness of white chocolate is perfectly balanced by the invigorating peppermint flavor, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive treat.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors complement each other. The buttery cookie base provides a comforting foundation, while the white chocolate chips add a creamy richness. The crushed candy canes not only provide a festive visual appeal but also a burst of refreshing peppermint that cuts through the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile. These are fantastic for a holiday cookie exchange or simply to enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter evening.
Why you’ll love this Cozy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- These are a crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of sweet and minty flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- They’re incredibly festive, bringing a touch of holiday magic to any gathering or celebration.
- The soft, buttery texture combined with the creamy white chocolate and crunchy candy canes creates a delightful sensory experience.
- You can easily customize these white chocolate candy cane cookies by adding a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a sprinkle of extra candy cane pieces.
Ingredients & Substitutions

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
White chocolate candy cane cookies makes every moment feel lush. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon to the mix. If you don’t have white chocolate chips on hand, chopped white chocolate baking bars will work just as well.
How to make Cozy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cookie.
Step 6: Add White Chocolate and Candy Canes
Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. Be gentle to avoid crushing the candy canes further.
Step 7: Bake
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them out to allow for even baking.
Step 8: Cool
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking.
Tips for Success
- Use softened, but not melted, butter for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough – mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them.
- If your candy canes are large, pulse them in a food processor for even-sized pieces.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect enjoyed on their own with a warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee. They also pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent treat. Consider serving them alongside other holiday treats like mini breakfast pot pies for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; thaw before baking. If you find your cookies have lost a bit of their crispness, you can refresh them by baking at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for the white chocolate, but the flavor profile will be different.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before baking.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving. You can learn even more about baking by watching recipe videos, such as this garlic bread bowls recipe.
The magic of these Cozy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies lies in their perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and festive flavor. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions. We’d love to hear how your baking turns out – share your experiences and any variations you tried in the comments below!

Cozy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
Bake up a batch of these delightful White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies for a festive treat! These cookies boast a melt-in-your-mouth texture, a rich white chocolate flavor, and a refreshing peppermint kick from crushed candy canes. The combination creates a perfectly balanced sweetness with a cool, invigorating finish. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cookie studded with creamy white chocolate chips and crunchy candy cane pieces. Each bite is a burst of holiday cheer that will leave you craving more. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or a simple sweet treat to enjoy with a warm cup of cocoa. These cookies are sure to become a new family favorite this Christmas season. The subtle sweetness of the white chocolate complements the peppermint perfectly, making them irresistible for all ages.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For softer cookies, slightly underbake them. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; thaw before baking. For a richer flavor, use high-quality white chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
