The holiday season is all about sweet traditions and cozy moments in the kitchen. Picture this: the cheerful sound of laughter fills the air, and the tantalizing scent of freshly baked cookies wafts through your home, bringing everyone together. That’s the magic of my Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies! These delightful treats come together in just 20 minutes and capture the essence of the festive season with their buttery goodness and the nostalgic crunch of crushed candy canes.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a holiday cookie swap, where everyone was eager to share their best creations. Instantly captivated by the light texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, I knew I had to make them my own. With a few simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and of course, those iconic candy canes, you’ll find this recipe is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for impressing friends and family alike. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a delightful treat that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why are Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies so irresistible?
Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these cookies are a perfect last-minute treat for holiday gatherings.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth: The buttery texture of the whipped shortbread makes every bite heavenly.
Festive Flavors: Crushed candy canes bring a delightful crunch and a hint of peppermint that captures the holiday spirit.
Impressive Presentation: Their delicate look makes them ideal for gifting or holiday cookie trays.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or a festive party, these cookies are sure to delight guests of all ages.
For more delightful recipes, check out my delicious holiday cookie collection!
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need to create these festive treats!
For the Cookie Dough
- Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened for easy creaming and that rich, buttery flavor.
- Powdered Sugar – ½ cup, to achieve a sweet and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- All-Purpose Flour – 1 ½ cups, giving structure to your cookies without being too heavy.
- Cornstarch – ¼ cup, ensuring that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality in every bite.
- Candy Canes – 4 regular size, crushed (about ¼ cup) to infuse the cookies with a festive peppermint crunch.
Get ready to stir up some holiday magic with these delicious Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies!
How to Make Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when you bake your cookies. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for a hassle-free cleanup.
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Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer. Keep mixing until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
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Combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl. Gradually add this flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and the dough is fluffy and holds together.
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Fold in the crushed candy canes using a spoon or spatula. This adds the festive touch you’re looking for, so be gentle to keep that airy texture intact.
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Scoop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges start to turn golden brown. Once done, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread
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Perfect Temperature: Always use softened butter; it helps achieve that fluffy texture crucial for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies. Cold butter won’t cream well.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of the desired melt-in-your-mouth quality.
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Spacing is Key: Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie on the baking sheet. This avoids them merging into one big cookie as they spread during baking.
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Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; ovens can vary. Remove them as soon as the edges turn golden for the best texture and flavor.
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Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool fully on the rack before storing. This prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy and less enjoyable.
What to Serve with Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?
Brighten your holiday gatherings by pairing these delightful cookies with complementary flavors and textures.
- Fresh Mint Tea: The calming, herbal notes of mint tea enhance the peppermint essence in the cookies perfectly.
- Hot Chocolate: Creamy hot chocolate adds rich, velvety flavor and makes for a cozy pairing during chilly evenings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The smooth texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the crunch of candy canes, creating a blissful bite.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, like brie, offers a creamy balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making for an unexpected treat.
- Nutty Biscotti: The crunchy texture of nutty biscotti complements the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the cookies, providing a delightful contrast.
- Roasted Chestnuts: The warm, buttery flavor of roasted chestnuts adds an earthy note that pairs beautifully with the festive cookies.
- Spiced Apple Cider: Aromatic spiced apple cider enhances the cozy atmosphere while being a fabulous match for the cookie’s flavor profile.
- Chocolate Dipped Fruit: The sweetness of fruits like strawberries or bananas, paired with a rich chocolate dip, offers a refreshing palate cleanse between indulgences.
- Eggnog: This classic holiday drink’s creamy, spiced flavor makes it a perfect companion to your sweet treats, boosting the festive spirit!
- Candy Cane Milkshake: A fun twist, combining ice cream, milk, and more crushed candy canes in a milkshake keeps the holiday cheer flowing.
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize these cookies to suit your tastes or dietary needs!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Add a rich touch by drizzling melted chocolate on top after cooling. Irresistible for chocolate lovers!
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Nutty Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor. Nuts bring warmth and a delightful texture twist.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies suitable for everyone. A little adjustment goes a long way!
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Peppermint Extract: Boost the peppermint flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the dough. A sprightly enhancement that brings the festive spirit alive!
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Spiced Variation: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic profile. These spices add depth and a comforting essence to each bite.
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Sugary Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top for a fun, decorative touch. They’ll add an extra pop of color and excitement!
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Coconut Twist: Mix in ½ cup of unsweetened shredded coconut to infuse a tropical flair. The combination of peppermint and coconut creates a surprising and delightful flavor harmony.
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Maple Infusion: Swap out powdered sugar for maple sugar in the dough for a unique sweetness and deep flavor that’s perfect for a rustic touch.
Explore these variations and make the Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies truly your own!
Make Ahead Options
These Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the dough up to 24 hours in advance by preparing it through step 4, then covering and refrigerating the bowl tightly. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto your baking sheets and bake as directed. For longer storage, you can shape the dough into logs, wrap them well in plastic, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just slice the frozen dough and bake directly from the freezer—no need to thaw! This way, you’ll enjoy fresh cookies that are just as delicious, maintaining that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Store and Freeze Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks, although this may alter their texture slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months without losing their delicious charm.
Reheating: Simply allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying, or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!
Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right butter for Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread?
Absolutely! Always opt for unsalted butter when making these cookies. It allows you to control the saltiness of your dessert. Look for butter that’s soft but not melted, ideally at room temperature for the best creamy texture when you whip it with powdered sugar.
How should I store Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you notice they’re getting a bit soft, place a slice of bread in the container to help absorb excess moisture. Just be sure to change the slice every few days!
Can I freeze these cookies for later enjoyment?
Very! To freeze your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag, stacking them carefully to avoid breaking. They’ll keep their delicious flavor for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a delightful, warm treat!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too crumbly?
Don’t worry; this can happen sometimes! If your dough is too crumbly and not holding together, try adding a teaspoon of milk or softened butter into the mix. Blend it gently until the dough comes together. Remember, you want that fluffy consistency, so be cautious not to over-mix!
Are there any dietary considerations for the Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, be mindful that this recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter. For those needing a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute with vegan butter, and use a gluten-free flour blend to make this delightful treat suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I tell when my cookies are done baking?
Look for those lovely golden edges! You want to remove your cookies from the oven just as the edges begin to turn golden brown, usually around the 8-10 minute mark. The centers should still appear slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Enjoy that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the creamed mixture.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes gently to maintain the airy texture.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden, then cool on a rack.