Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Name: Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
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; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes; Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Published: January 23, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and refreshing peppermint creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Treat: Great for various occasions, from holiday parties to cozy family gatherings.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The candy cane pieces on top make these cookies visually appealing, perfect for sharing.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make wonderful gifts when packaged nicely, adding a personal touch to your holiday presents.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the light and fluffy texture needed for whipped shortbread cookies.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking of your cookies, resulting in the perfect texture.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies

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

For the Topping

1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Extra powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Add in the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls of dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with your fingers.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Add Candy Cane Topping

Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie while they are still warm. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional)

For an extra festive touch, dust cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving or gifting.

Enjoy these Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious as part of your holiday celebrations!

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

These festive cookies are perfect for sharing during the holiday season. They add a delightful touch to any gathering or celebration.

With Hot Cocoa

Serve your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavors.

Arrange these cookies on a colorful cookie platter. Add some other holiday treats to create an inviting display for guests.

As Party Favors

Wrap individual cookies in clear bags tied with festive ribbons. They make charming party favors for holiday gatherings.

With Tea or Coffee

Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The soothing beverages enhance the cookies’ sweet flavor.

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

To achieve the best Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, consider these helpful tips.

Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a lighter texture.
Mix Gently: When incorporating flour into the butter mixture, mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
Add Crushed Candy Canes Last: Fold in crushed candy canes at the end of mixing to prevent them from breaking down too much during the process.

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

These cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal.

Peppermint Bark: Crunchy chocolate layered with crushed candy canes makes a great pairing with the shortbread.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a light contrast to the rich cookies, balancing out sweetness.
Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or cream cheese to offer a savory option that complements the sweet flavors.
Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture and savory flavor that pairs well with sweet treats.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Sweet and salty pretzels dipped in chocolate make an irresistible snack alongside your cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings creaminess, enhancing the peppermint cookie experience beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies turn out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch for.

Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step can lead to cookies that spread too much while baking. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t whip properly, resulting in dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light, fluffy texture.
Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix until just combined for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Skipping the peppermint extract: This is crucial for that candy cane flavor. Don’t forget to include it in your recipe!
Cutting the cookies too thick: Thick cookies may not bake evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container.
They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
Stovetop: Place on a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies unique?

These cookies combine the classic shortbread texture with festive candy cane flavor, making them perfect for holiday celebrations.

Can I customize my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

Absolutely! You can swap out candy canes for other crushed candies or add chocolate chips for a different twist.

How do I ensure my cookies are fluffy?

Make sure your butter is softened and avoid overmixing the dough. These steps help achieve that light texture.

Can I use different extracts?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with vanilla or almond extracts instead of peppermint for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are an easy and delicious treat that brings joy during the holiday season. Their delightful texture and festive flavor make them perfect for cookie exchanges or family gatherings. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins!

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