Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious are the perfect festive treat that combines the classic shortbread cookie with a refreshing twist of peppermint. These cookies are not only easy to make but also deliver a delightful burst of flavor, making them a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and seasonal charm, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these cookies with confidence.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and candy cane pieces creates a delightful contrast that is both sweet and minty.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Christmas parties or cozy family gatherings, these cookies fit right in.
- Visually Appealing: The red and white specks of crushed candy canes make these cookies not only tasty but also beautiful on any dessert table.
- Great for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges or gifting, these cookies will be a hit among friends and loved ones.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the light, fluffy texture that makes whipped shortbread so delightful.
- Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl allows for easy mixing without spills, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
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 Dough
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.
1. Gradually add the flour and salt into the mixture.
2. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully integrated.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands or a cookie scoop:
* Form small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter).
* Place them on a lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart.
Step 4: Add Candy Cane Topping
Sprinkle crushed candy canes over each cookie before baking. Ensure each cookie has an even distribution of candy cane pieces for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies!
How to Serve Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are perfect for any festive occasion. Their delightful peppermint flavor and beautiful presentation make them a hit at holiday gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
Festive Cookie Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with a mix of other holiday treats for a vibrant display.
Hot Cocoa Pairing
- Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter treat. The peppermint complements the chocolate perfectly.
Gift-Wrapped Treats
- Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as homemade gifts for friends and family. Add a festive ribbon for an extra touch.
Cookie Exchange Table
- Include these cookies in your holiday cookie exchange. Their unique flavor will surely impress fellow bakers.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream between two cookies. A delightful dessert twist!
Holiday Dessert Buffet
- Set up a dessert buffet during parties featuring these cookies along with other sweets like brownies and cakes to satisfy every palate.
How to Perfect Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
Perfecting your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure they turn out delicious every time.
Use room temperature butter: This helps create that light, airy texture that whipped shortbread is known for.
Add crushed candy canes: Incorporate crushed candy canes into the dough for added texture and flavor, enhancing the peppermint kick.
Chill the dough: Allow the dough to chill before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Perfect baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center.
Best Side Dishes for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet, minty flavor. Consider serving them alongside these tasty options:
Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint adds warmth to your cookie enjoyment.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, offers a savory balance to the sweet flavors of the shortbread.
Spiced Nuts: Serve warm spiced nuts as a crunchy counterpart that enhances the holiday spirit with its aromatic spices.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against warm cookies, creating an indulgent treat.
Gingerbread Cake: Pairing these cookies with moist gingerbread cake brings together two classic holiday flavors for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Chocolate Fondue: Provide melted chocolate for dipping cookie pieces, turning dessert into an interactive delight for guests.
Tea Selection: Offer various teas, such as peppermint or chai, which can enhance the overall flavor profile when enjoying these festive treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold ingredients: Forgetting to measure ingredients accurately can affect texture. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Bold mixing too much: Overmixing the dough can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender cookie.
- Bold not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can result in cookies spreading too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Bold using stale candy canes: Using old candy canes can lead to less flavor. Ensure your candy canes are fresh for the best taste and crunch.
- Bold ignoring oven temperature: Not preheating your oven properly can produce uneven baking. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, where they will last up to three months.
Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious
- Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and heat for 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies.
How do I make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious?
To make these cookies, combine softened butter with sugar, add flour, and fold in crushed candy canes before baking them at 350°F (175°C).
Can I substitute other flavors instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! You can experiment with vanilla or almond extracts for different flavor profiles while keeping the base recipe intact.
How long do Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies will last up to one week in the refrigerator or three months if frozen.
Can I customize my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits according to your preferences for added texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies offer a festive touch that is both easy and delicious. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the refreshing taste of peppermint makes them perfect for holiday gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite additions like chocolate or nuts!

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional shortbread with a refreshing twist of peppermint. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are not only easy to prepare but also visually appealing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as charming gifts for friends and family. With their light texture and sweet minty crunch from crushed candy canes, these cookies will surely impress everyone at your next celebration.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Roll small balls of dough (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden; cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 94
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 23mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg