Candy Cane Swirl Cookie

Featured in: Simple Sweet & Frosted Treats

These festive cookies blend a soft, buttery dough with vibrant red and white swirls made using peppermint extract and gel coloring. After chilling and layering two dough portions, they’re rolled tightly to create the signature candy cane effect. Finished off with crushed peppermint candies and baked until tender, they bring a perfect balance of sweet and minty flavor for holiday occasions. Ideal for gifting or enjoying alongside hot cocoa or peppermint tea.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 16:36:00 GMT
Vibrant candy cane swirl cookies, swirled with red and white, ready to enjoy for the holidays. Save Pin
Vibrant candy cane swirl cookies, swirled with red and white, ready to enjoy for the holidays. | frostedthyme.com

Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.

This cozy chicken stew has become a family favorite that warms us during cold evenings.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar 1 large egg 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • Coloring: Red gel food coloring
  • Garnish (optional): 1/2 cup (70 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Instructions

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Step 1:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 3:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined.
Step 4:
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Step 5:
Divide dough in half. Add red food coloring to one portion and knead until desired color is achieved. Leave the other half plain.
Step 6:
Shape each dough half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 7:
Roll out each dough separately between parchment to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 8:
Stack the red dough over the plain dough, peel away the top parchment, and gently press together.
Step 9:
Starting from a long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Step 10:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Step 11:
Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
Step 12:
Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
Step 13:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just set and cookies are no longer shiny.
Step 14:
Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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| frostedthyme.com

These cookies are a holiday tradition for our family, bringing everyone together over sweet treats.

Notes

These cookies freeze well store in an airtight container for up to 1 month Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a festive treat

Required Tools

Mixing bowls Electric mixer Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter) Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens check packaging Always double-check ingredient labels if you have food allergies

Close-up of baked candy cane swirl cookie platter, inviting you in with sugary sweetness. Save Pin
Close-up of baked candy cane swirl cookie platter, inviting you in with sugary sweetness. | frostedthyme.com
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Enjoy your candy cane swirl cookies fresh or frozen for a festive treat anytime.

Questions & Answers

How is the candy cane swirl effect achieved?

The dough is divided and colored red in one half, then layered and rolled tightly with the plain dough before slicing, creating the signature swirl.

Can the peppermint flavor be intensified?

Yes, slightly increasing the peppermint extract will enhance the minty aroma and taste without overpowering the dough.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to one month to maintain freshness and texture.

Are there any allergen considerations?

These contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Crushed peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens; check packaging carefully.

What tools are needed to create these cookies?

Essential tools include mixing bowls, an electric mixer, rolling pin, parchment paper, sharp knife, and baking sheets.

Candy Cane Swirl Cookie

Tender sugar cookies with peppermint swirls in festive red and white, perfect for celebrations and treats.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
All-In Time
37 minutes
By Frosted Thyme Madison Kelly


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine American

Makes 36 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 1 cup granulated sugar
06 1 large egg
07 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Coloring

01 Red gel food coloring

Garnish

01 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add Flavorings and Egg: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the creamed mixture; beat until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Form Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture at low mixer speed until a soft dough forms.

Step 05

Divide and Color Dough: Split dough into two equal portions; knead red gel food coloring into one portion until evenly colored, leaving the other portion plain.

Step 06

Chill Dough: Shape each dough half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 07

Roll Dough: Roll out each dough portion separately between sheets of parchment paper into approximately 1/4-inch thick rectangles.

Step 08

Assemble and Roll: Layer the red dough over the plain dough, remove the top parchment paper, and gently press together; starting from a long edge, roll tightly into a log shape. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.

Step 09

Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 10

Slice Dough Log: Cut the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick rounds and arrange on prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 11

Add Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies atop each cookie slice.

Step 12

Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until edges have set and surfaces lose their shine.

Step 13

Cool: Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Allergen Details

Always check each item for allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten, eggs, and dairy products.
  • Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens; verify packaging.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

For reference only—please ask a healthcare professional if you need tailored advice.
  • Calorie Count: 95
  • Fat content: 4.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 1 g