Peppermint Twist Cookies for the Holidays

Looking for a festive cookie that looks like a candy cane and tastes like a minty dream? These Peppermint Twist Cookies are buttery, crisp at the edges, and gently flavored with peppermint. They hold their shape, they freeze well, and they always disappear first from the cookie tray.

Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
  
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  
  
• 1 large egg
  
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract
  
  
• 5 drops red food coloring, more as needed

Directions

1. In a large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   
   
2. In another bowl beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Mix in the egg and peppermint extract. Add the dry ingredients and beat just until combined.
   
   
3. Split the dough in half. Wrap one half in plastic. Tint the other half red, then wrap. Chill both halves at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
   
   
4. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Divide each chilled dough half into 18 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6 inch rope. Twist one red rope with one white rope, bend to form a candy cane, and place on the sheets. Freeze 30 minutes to help the cookies keep their shape.
   
   
5. Bake at 350°F until set and lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes. Cool on the pans, then move to a rack.

Pro Tips

• Keep the dough cold. If it gets soft, slip it back into the fridge for a few minutes.
  
  
• For extra sparkle, sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
  
  
• No peppermint on hand? Use vanilla for a classic sugar cookie flavor and add 1 teaspoon crushed candy canes to the red dough for a hint of mint.
  
  
• Storage. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 4 to 5 days. Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Freeze shaped, unbaked canes on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen and add 1 to 2 minutes.
  
  

FAQ

Why freeze the shaped cookies before baking?
It keeps the twists sharp and helps prevent spreading.

Can I double the batch?
Yes. Mix in two separate bowls or use a stand mixer and scrape the bowl well.

How do I get a vibrant red without over-coloring?
Start with 5 drops, knead, then add 1 drop at a time. Gel color gives brighter results with less liquid.

A sweet seasonal note from our team

If you or someone you care about is thinking about a move next year, what would it take for us to be your easy button for all things home? We have trusted pros for paint, flooring, and countertops, and we are happy to share them. When the time is right, we are here to help.