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; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (for topping)

Published: November 7, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.
Festive Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and crushed candy canes creates a unique taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies make a charming gift when packaged in a decorative tin or box, spreading joy to your loved ones.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert, snack, or even as part of your holiday brunch spread.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in crushing candy canes and decorating the cookies for a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools that will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl provides enough space for all your ingredients to be combined easily without spilling.
Hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light texture for your cookies.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is crucial for even baking; it helps achieve that perfect golden edge on your cookies.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking, making it easy to remove the cookies without breaking them.

Ingredients

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

For Topping

1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Optional Decoration

Additional powdered sugar for dusting

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 and achieve the right texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

Add vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour and Salt

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; this helps keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Add Candy Cane Topping

While still warm, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of each cookie. The heat will help them adhere nicely. Optionally, dust with additional powdered sugar once fully cooled.

With these simple steps, you will have delicious Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies ready to impress! Enjoy them at home or share them with loved ones during this festive season.

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

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights at home. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look beautiful on any dessert table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Hot Beverage

Pair with Hot Chocolate: The rich chocolate flavor complements the candy cane perfectly.
Serve with Peppermint Tea: Enhance the peppermint flavor while enjoying a warm, soothing cup.

For Holiday Gatherings

Cookie Exchange: Bring these to a cookie exchange for a delightful addition that everyone will love.
Dessert Bar: Set up a holiday dessert bar and include these cookies along with other treats.

Gift Giving

In Festive Tins: Pack them in decorative tins for a lovely homemade gift.
With a Personalized Note: Add a sweet note to make your gift even more special.

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

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

Chill Your Dough: Allow the dough to chill before baking. This helps maintain their shape and enhances flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter is fresh for the best texture and taste in your cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies light and airy.
Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings like crushed nuts or drizzled chocolate for variety.

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

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

Fresh Fruit Platter: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses that complement the flavors of peppermint, like mild chevre or creamy brie.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies in warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Mixed Nuts: A savory blend of nuts provides a nice contrast to the sweet cookies.
Mini Cupcakes: Offer an assortment of mini cupcakes for guests who want more variety.
Hot Cider: A warm spiced cider pairs beautifully, enhancing the holiday spirit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overmixing the dough. Mixing too much can make the cookies tough instead of tender. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
Don’t skip chilling the dough. If you don’t chill the dough, your cookies may spread too much while baking. Chilling helps maintain their shape.
Be cautious with oven temperature. Baking at a temperature that is too high can lead to burnt edges. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Don’t overlook measuring ingredients accurately. Inaccurate measurements can affect the consistency of your cookies. Always use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients.
Avoid using stale candy canes. Old candy canes won’t provide the fresh peppermint flavor you want in your cookies. Use fresh candy canes for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies in an airtight container.
They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Make sure cookies are fully cooled before freezing.
Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Frozen cookies can last for up to three months.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place cookie on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds for soft warmth.
Stovetop: Warm cookies on a non-stick skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

To get that melt-in-your-mouth texture, avoid overmixing your dough and ensure that your butter is at room temperature.

Can I customize my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different flavors like vanilla or almond extract, or substitute chocolate chips for a twist.

How long do Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

What’s the best way to decorate my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?

You can use crushed candy canes sprinkled on top or drizzle with white chocolate for extra sweetness and flair.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile enough to fit any holiday spread. Their festive appearance and delightful peppermint flavor make them perfect for sharing or enjoying during cozy nights at home. Customize them with your favorite toppings or flavors, and enjoy this treat with friends and family!

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