The “baking therapy” discussed on this blog refers to my personal experience using baking as a self-help and relaxation tool.”
Original Author Lord Byron’s Kitchen
Hey everybirdy! Today we are diving back into one of my favorite seasonal flavors: Peppermint. If you’re like me, your house is probably overflowing with candy canes right now. My siblings are always sending me those post-holiday clearance packs—you know, the ones that cost about $1 at the store? (Future Robby: oh to be in a time without insane inflation. 😞). I have a serious weakness for anything mint-flavored, and these cookies are the perfect way to use up those extra candy canes before they go bad (and yes, believe me, they can!).
If you can’t get enough of candy cane recipes feel free to check out my Candy Cane Crinkles recipe. It is similar to this one, yet at the same time, it is quite different.
The Therapeutic Smash:
Peppermint Stress Relief
There is something uniquely therapeutic about this recipe, and it starts before the oven even turns on. Crushing the candy canes is the ultimate stress-reliever!
Placing them in a bag and breaking them down into colorful minty bits forces you to release tension and stay in the moment. It’s the perfect ritual for a day when you just need to “smash” through your stress.
These cookies are soft, buttery, and have just the right amount of crunch from the peppermint.
Baking Tip:
Every oven is a little different! While the original recipe suggests 15 minutes, I found that at 350°F, mine were perfectly done at 8 minutes. Start low and add 2 minutes at a time until they are just set.
Consistency is Key:
Use a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon). It keeps the cookies equal in size so there are no fights in the house over who got the bigger cookie!
🛒 Essentials (Ingredients)
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup Sugar (The perfect pantry staple!)
- 3/4 cup Butter (softened)
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract (or Vanilla if you want a milder mint flavor)
- 1/4 tsp Sal
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/4 cup Crushed Candy Canes
Visit my Patreon for a free post featuring the full Walmart price breakdown for this budget-friendly bake!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare your cookie sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick spray.
2. Cream the Base:
Using a hand-held mixer, blend the sugar and butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth.
3. Add Flavor:
Mix in the eggs, salt, and your choice of extract (Peppermint for a double-mint kick, or Vanilla for a balanced sweetness).
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the flour and baking soda. Mix until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, or the cookies will lose their soft texture!
5. The Mix-In:
Put away the hand mixer! Grab a wooden spoon and gently stir in your crushed candy canes by hand.
6. Scoop & Bake:
Use a small scoop to create even portions. Bake for 8–15 minutes (watch them closely starting at the 8-minute mark!).
7. Cool:
Immediately transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack. If you don’t have one, a platter in the fridge works in a pinch to stop the baking process.
❓ Common Baking Questions (Q&A)
Q: I don’t like mint; can I use something else?
Robby: If you aren’t a mint fan, these might be too strong for you. However, you can swap the candy canes for crushed toffee or chocolate chips!
Q: My candy canes melted into puddles—what happened?
Robby: This usually happens if the pieces are too large or the dough is too warm. Try crushing them into smaller “dust and pebbles” and chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
Join the conversation
I have shared that peppermint is my all time favorite flavor, my question is what is your ride or die flavor? Is it chocolate everything, are you a berry lover, or do you have something else? I would love to know.
Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper. Set aside.
- Using a hand-held mixer, blend together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, peppermint extract, and salt. Mix into the butter mixture.
- Add the flour and baking soda. Mix until just incorporated. Do not over mix.
- Stir in the crushed candy canes.
- Use a small cookie scoop, about 1 tablespoon in size, to scoop the cookie batter into even portions. Roll into balls and place on the baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately transfer to a wire cooling rack to completely cool.
Final Thoughts
These cookies are a mint-lover’s dream. They are budget-friendly, colorful, and a great way to clear out the pantry. Whether you’re baking for a Simblr-themed party or just a quiet night in, I hope you find some peace in the kitchen today.
Happy baking!
Support the Baking Therapy Mission
Become a member of the Birdhouse on either/both my Kofi and Patreon.
What to expect from Patreon: Budget Breakdown for all of my recipes.
Kofi: Same Budget Breakdown posts on Patreon.
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The Bake Doctor! Fix your bakes! Send me a photo/recipe and get a text-based diagnosis to save your next batch.
The Pantry Scavenger! Clear the cupboards! Tell me your “mystery items,” and I’ll find a way to make them delicious.
Hooked on a Baked Good: Whipping up some cute baked good-inspired crochet items. I’ll send you these amazing crochet items (at a small cost for the yarn + shipping). You might also find a one-of-a-kind recipe card.
