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Candy Cane Sugar Cookies recipe
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Candy Cane Sugar Cookies

Soft, buttery Candy Cane Sugar Cookies with crushed peppermint and creamy frosting—perfect for Christmas baking and gifting.
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Prep Time 18 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 16 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sugar Cookies
  • 1 cup salted butter room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus extra for rolling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 330 grams
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes divided
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese slightly softened
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • Pinch Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Gently fold in half of the crushed candy canes.
  5. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
  6. Roll into balls, coat in sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
  7. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, salt, and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.
  9. Frost cooled cookies and immediately top with remaining crushed candy canes.

Notes

This recipe makes about 16 generously sized cookies, but you can easily double or halve it depending on your needs. The dough can be prepared in advance and chilled or frozen, making it a great option for busy holiday baking. For the best texture and flavor, these cookies are best enjoyed fresh after frosting, when they are soft, creamy, and full of festive peppermint crunch. Storage and variation options can be adjusted to suit different occasions, whether you're baking for a cookie tray, gifting, or a holiday party.