Nothing says holiday cheer like a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with the festive flavors of peppermint and white chocolate. Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies are the perfect treat to bake for holiday parties, gift baskets, or cozy nights by the fire. This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and yields cookies that stay soft even after a few days — a true crowd-pleaser for all ages.

These cookies are distinguished by their soft, pillowy centers, slightly crisp edges, melty white chocolate chunks, and the signature crunch of crushed candy canes. The peppermint flavor is light but noticeable, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of white chocolate.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your first holiday recipe, these cookies are a must-try. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Cookie Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp cloves (optional)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup apple cider
Mix-ins:
- 1 cup white chocolate chunks
- 0.5 cup crushed candy canes

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with apple cider. Mix until a soft cookie dough forms.
Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in white chocolate chunks and crushed candy canes, ensuring even distribution.
Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. Slightly flatten the tops with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Avoid overbaking for maximum chewiness.
Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

Softness Factor: Do not overmix the dough; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Candy Cane Placement: Reserve a few candy cane pieces to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra festive touch.
Chill for Shape: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 15–20 minutes to prevent excessive spreading.
Storage Tip: Place a slice of bread in your cookie container to help maintain softness.

Fun Variations

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Replace half of the white chocolate chunks with milk or dark chocolate for a rich twist.
Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized versions for easy snacking or cookie exchanges.
Frosted Delight: Top with a thin drizzle of melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes for presentation flair.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for allergy-friendly holiday treats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or peppermint mocha.
Pack them in a mason jar as holiday gifts.
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Cultural & Holiday Context

Peppermint and white chocolate are classic holiday flavors in North America and Europe. Candy canes, originating in the 17th century, became associated with Christmas thanks to their red-and-white stripes symbolizing joy and purity. Pairing them with cookies makes for an instantly recognizable holiday treat — perfect for evoking nostalgia and festive spirit.

Why These Cookies Are Special

These cookies balance chewy and soft textures with bursts of peppermint crunch. Unlike standard holiday cookies, they maintain their softness over several days. White chocolate adds creamy sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of crushed candy canes. This recipe offers both a visual and taste appeal, making it a great choice for parties or gifting.