Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightfully festive treat. These cookies bring together the sweetness of white chocolate and the holiday spirit of crushed candy canes. They are soft, chewy, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Bake them up for a cozy holiday gathering or just to brighten up a chilly evening at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

These cookies are incredibly easy to make, which is perfect for busy moms. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, they offer a wonderful balance of sweet and minty flavors that everyone loves. This holiday treat is great for family gatherings or simply as a special dessert for everyday moments.

How to Make Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze! You’ll start by creaming the butter and sugars together, then mix in the eggs and vanilla. Finally, combine the dry ingredients and fold in the chocolate chips and candy canes. It’s all about mixing and baking, leaving you with warm, sweet cookies in no time!

What You Need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
Beat in the eggs one at a time and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a glass of milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa. They make a lovely addition to any festive dessert table or as a sweet surprise for lunchboxes.

How to Store Candy Cane White Chocolate Chip Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze well. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they can last for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overmix the dough once you add the flour; this keeps your cookies tender.
For chewier cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
You can add more candy canes for extra minty flavor.
If you need a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free flour blend.
Be careful not to overbake; cookies should be lightly golden and soft in the center.

Variations & Swaps

Mint Chocolate Chip: Swap out the white chocolate chips for mint chocolate chips for a deeper mint flavor.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Holiday Sprinkles: Top the cookies with festive sprinkles before baking for a colorful twist.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking. This helps enhance the flavors. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then place the dough balls in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Bake straight from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I reheat leftover cookies?
To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste.

Can I use different types of chocolate?
Certainly! You can replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.

What common mistakes should I avoid?
One common mistake is overbaking the cookies. Keep a close eye on them in the oven. They should look soft but set when you take them out. Also, ensure the butter is softened properly for a smooth batter.