Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Name: Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (plus more for topping)

Published: January 5, 2026

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip these up in no time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and crushed candy canes creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are suitable for holiday parties, gift-giving, or as a sweet treat any day.
Festive Appearance: The vibrant red and white colors from the candy canes make these cookies a delightful addition to any dessert table.
Versatile: You can customize them by adding more toppings or adjusting the amount of peppermint based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will help simplify the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when whipping butter and sugar together for a fluffy texture.
Baking sheet: A good-quality baking sheet ensures even cooking of your cookies.
Parchment paper: Using parchment prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

For Topping

Additional crushed candy canes

How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl:
1. Add the softened butter and powdered sugar.
2. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed.

Step 4: Add Flavors

Once combined:
1. Stir in vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using your hands or a cookie scoop:
1. Form balls of dough about one inch in diameter.
2. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with enough space between each ball for spreading.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in preheated oven:
1. For about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
2. Remove from oven and allow cooling on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to cool completely on wire racks.

Step 7: Top with Crushed Candy Canes

As soon as cookies are cool:
1. Sprinkle additional crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch.

Enjoy your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious! These treats are sure to bring joy during the holiday season!

How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

These Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Here are some delightful ways to serve them during the holiday season.

With Hot Cocoa

A perfect pairing! Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat.

Arrange your cookies on a festive platter with other holiday treats. The vibrant colors of the candy canes will stand out beautifully.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon. They make wonderful gifts for guests at holiday gatherings.

With Ice Cream

Place a cookie on top of a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream. This combination creates an indulgent dessert that everyone will love.

Bring your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies to a cookie exchange party. They are sure to impress and are easy to share!

How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

To ensure your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter incorporates air better, leading to light and fluffy cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than tender ones.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature, as uneven heat can affect baking time.
Add Extra Peppermint: For more minty flavor, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking or add peppermint extract to the dough.

Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with these delicious side dishes can elevate your dessert table.

Peppermint Bark: A festive mix of chocolate and crushed candy canes that complements the flavors of your shortbread.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds color to your spread.
Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese. The rich flavors contrast nicely with the sweet cookies.
Coffee or Tea: Offer a selection of warm beverages like coffee or herbal tea for guests who want something soothing alongside their treats.
Chocolate Fondue: Provide fresh fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping into warm chocolate; it pairs well with shortbread.
Christmas Cake: A slice of spiced fruitcake or gingerbread cake adds traditional holiday flavors that complement your cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to make a few mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Bold Measurement Errors: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much flour can make the cookies dry and crumbly.
Bold Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Bold Skipping Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly. An incorrect temperature can result in uneven baking.
Bold Forgetting to Decorate: Make sure to decorate with crushed candy canes before baking. This adds flavor and a festive touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Freeze in an airtight container for up to three months.
Use wax paper between layers for easy separation when thawing.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.

Can I use other flavors besides peppermint for my cookies?

Absolutely! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for different flavor profiles.

How do I make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What type of butter should I use?

Use unsalted butter for the best flavor control in your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious recipe.

How can I customize my cookies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts along with the crushed candy canes for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Their charming appearance makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. You can easily customize them by adding different extracts or toppings, making each batch unique. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the festive spirit!

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