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; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup crushed candy canes; Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Published: December 19, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery shortbread and refreshing peppermint creates a delightful taste experience.
Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for holiday parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying with a cup of tea.
Festive Appearance: The crushed candy canes add a pop of color and a festive touch to your cookie platter.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these amazing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure that your baking experience is enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve the light and airy texture needed for whipped shortbread cookies.
Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking, preventing burnt edges while keeping your cookies perfectly shaped.

Ingredients

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

For the Topping

1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Extra 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 from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them until light and fluffy. This step is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.

Step 5: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them as they can quickly turn too brown.

Step 7: Cool and Top

Remove from oven and let cool on a cooling rack. Once cooled, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and if desired, dust with extra powdered sugar for added sweetness.

Enjoy your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious! Perfectly festive treats that will impress family and friends alike!

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

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. They make a perfect treat for any festive gathering or a cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

On a Festive Platter

Arrange the cookies beautifully on a decorative platter to enhance their visual appeal.
Add some fresh mint leaves or small candy canes for a pop of color.

With Hot Chocolate

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
Consider adding whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top of the drink.

Gift-Wrapped Treats

Stack the cookies in a clear bag, tie with ribbon, and give them as gifts.
Include a handwritten note with your favorite cookie tips for an extra personal touch.

Bring your Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies to a cookie exchange.
They are sure to impress and stand out among traditional offerings.

With Ice Cream

Serve these cookies alongside vanilla or peppermint ice cream as a delightful dessert combo.
Crumble the cookies on top of the ice cream for added texture.

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

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

Chill Your Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality butter and fresh peppermint extract for optimal flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to ensure the cookies remain tender and light.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Add Toppings Sparingly: Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking for an extra festive touch, but don’t overdo it!

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

These delightful cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Here are some great options:

Peppermint Bark
A classic holiday treat that combines layers of chocolate and crushed candy canes.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, apples, and berries balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese offers savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet cookies.
Chocolate Fondue
Melted chocolate served with fruit, marshmallows, and other dippables adds indulgence to your dessert spread.
Spiced Nuts
Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg provide crunchy texture and warmth alongside your cookies.
Vanilla Pudding
Creamy pudding garnished with whipped cream pairs nicely with shortbread flavors, enhancing their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Holiday Fruitcake
A traditional option that adds richness; slice it thinly to enjoy alongside your shortbread treats.
Coffee or Tea
Serve warm beverages like coffee or herbal tea to round out your sweet offerings perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Bold Flavoring: Using too much peppermint extract can overpower the cookies. Start with a small amount and adjust gradually for the right balance.
Bold Chilling: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that spread too much. Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking for perfect shape.
Bold Measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts.
Bold Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Bold Cooling: Ignoring cooling time after baking can cause sogginess. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Place parchment paper between layers of cookies before sealing.

Reheating Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies | Easy and Delicious

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Warm cookies for 5-7 minutes until just heated through.
Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat or they may become chewy.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can swap peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a unique taste.

How do I make these Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What is the best way to decorate these cookies?

You can drizzle melted white chocolate on top or sprinkle crushed candy canes before baking.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, they will last about one week at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Candy Cane Whipped Shortbread Cookies are not only easy and delicious but also versatile! Feel free to customize them by adding different extracts or toppings. Try this festive treat at your next gathering; they’re sure to impress!

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