White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

If you’re searching for a holiday treat that perfectly balances festive flair with rich, comforting flavors, the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These cookies bring together the sweet creaminess of white chocolate and the refreshing crunch of crushed candy canes in a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. With browned butter adding a deep, nutty warmth and a subtle blend of sugars for the perfect texture, this recipe is an absolute must-try for cookie lovers who want to sprinkle a little holiday magic into their baking routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step to creating the perfect White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the buttery richness to the festive minty crunch, setting the scene for delicious holiday cookies.

• All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb that holds the cookie together without being too dense.
• Baking soda (½ teaspoon): A gentle leavening agent that helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
• Unsalted butter (14 tablespoons): Using browned butter adds a nutty depth of flavor that elevates the whole cookie.
• Packed brown sugar (¾ cups): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note to balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds a classic sweetness and helps with that slight crisp on the cookie edges.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through sweetness for balance.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): A warm, aromatic touch that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Egg (1 large whole): Helps bind the dough and contributes to the cookie’s chewy texture.
• Egg yolk (1 large): Adds richness and a tender bite to the cookies.
• White chocolate baking chips (1 cup): Melt pockets of creamy sweetness that contrast perfectly with the peppermint.
• Crushed candy canes (½ cup): The star of the recipe, these bring that festive peppermint flavor and delightful crunch.

How to Make White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour and baking soda in a medium bowl. This dry mixture is the foundation that will give your cookies their soft-yet-structured texture.

Step 3: Brown Your Butter

Heat 10 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Keep stirring and swirling the pan as the butter melts and starts to brown. Look for a nutty aroma and golden brown specks—this transformation adds a beautiful depth of flavor that sets these cookies apart. Once browned, transfer the butter to a heatproof bowl and add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted.

Step 4: Combine Sugars, Salt, and Vanilla

To your browned butter, whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated. This sweet, salty, and aromatic base is what makes each bite so irresistible.

Step 5: Add Eggs and Whisk for Texture

Add the whole egg and the egg yolk to the butter mixture. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds, then let it rest for 3 minutes. Repeat this cycle two more times—whisking and resting—until the mixture becomes thick, smooth, and shiny. This step is essential for creating the perfect cookie dough consistency without an electric mixer.

Step 6: Incorporate Flour Mixture

Fold the flour and baking soda mixture into your wet ingredients with a rubber spatula, just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it gentle and quick.

Step 7: Add White Chocolate Chips and Candy Canes

Stir in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy cane bits, ensuring that all the ingredients come together in a festive, flavorful dough.

Step 8: Portion the Dough

Divide the dough into 24 equal portions—about a rounded tablespoon each—and space them about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets to allow for even spreading.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies on one sheet at a time until golden brown and puffy but with set edges, roughly 9 to 12 minutes. Let them cool on a wire rack to develop their perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

You can elevate your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe by sprinkling a few extra crushed candy canes on top right after baking or drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a snowy, festive look.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or even a classic eggnog for the ultimate holiday experience. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with rich and creamy beverages that complement both the white chocolate and peppermint flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting or party favors, stack a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a red ribbon or arrange them on a decorated platter alongside fresh evergreen sprigs and cranberries for a stunning holiday display. You can also sandwich a bit of peppermint buttercream or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an extra special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain their soft, chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, you can freeze the shaped cookie dough balls on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies, briefly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or pop them into a 300° F oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This melts the white chocolate slightly and refreshes that freshly baked softness.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular chocolate chips for white chocolate chips?

You certainly can, but keep in mind that white chocolate’s creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with peppermint in this recipe. Using regular chocolate will give you a different flavor profile but still delicious results.

How do I crush candy canes for the cookies?

Place the candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until you have a mixture of fine crumbs and small chunks. This gives texture without large pieces overpowering the cookie.

Will these cookies spread too much when baking?

The browned butter and precise flour ratio help control spreading, but it’s important not to overmix the dough or place cookie dough balls too close together. Keeping 2-inch spacing is ideal for perfect shape and texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Just be mindful that the texture might be slightly different but still enjoyable.

What makes the browned butter so important in this recipe?

Browned butter adds a rich, nutty complexity that transforms these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. It deepens the flavor and perfectly complements the white chocolate and peppermint for a truly memorable cookie.

Final Thoughts

There is something so heartwarming about baking the White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies Recipe—it’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy holiday hug. Whether you’re sharing these with family, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging yourself, every bite is filled with festive joy and buttery goodness. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and make them a treasured holiday tradition in your home!

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