Candy Cane Buttercream Recipe

Madison Reid
Published December 9, 2024

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The holidays are here, and what better way to add festive flair to your desserts than with Candy Cane Buttercream? This soft, creamy, peppermint-flavored frosting is infused with crunchy bits of candy cane, creating the perfect topping for cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to bring the spirit of the holiday season to your baking.

one chocolate cookie and one sugar cookie frosted with candy cane buttercream and a spoon of buttercream next to the cookies

The Chemistry of Perfect Buttercream

Creating buttercream may seem simple, but a lot of science goes into achieving that perfect, creamy texture:

Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating a smooth texture. Too cold, and it won’t blend; too warm, and it won’t hold its structure.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioner’s sugar, dissolves easily into the butter, ensuring a velvety consistency.
Heavy Cream for Stability: Adding heavy cream helps lighten the frosting while adding richness. It also makes the buttercream more spreadable.
Peppermint Flavor: Peppermint or pure mint extract gives the buttercream its signature holiday flavor. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to overpower the frosting.
Candy Cane Crunch: Folding in crushed candy canes adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal, making this unique frosting.

four sugar cookies frosted with candy cane buttercream on top of candy cane bits

What is in candy cane buttercream?

Heavy Cream

Adds richness and a smooth consistency to the frosting.

Powdered Sugar

Is just finely ground granulated sugar. It will absorb moisture in your batter or dough. It dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth texture without grittiness. Because it is so fine, it can melt quickly in the oven and spread cookies out more. Powdered sugar also stabilizes and thickens the frosting, thanks to the small amount of cornstarch it contains.

Unsalted butter

Often the main ingredient of frosting, it adds structure to your buttercream. It also adds a smooth and velvety texture. Butter melts at body temperature, so it will make your frosting have a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

Peppermint Extract

A concentrated flavoring that gives the buttercream its signature holiday taste.

Crushed Candy Canes

It adds festive crunch and visual appeal. Use leftover candy canes from your holiday stash!

How do you make candy cane buttercream?

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand electric mixer with a large mixing bowl), whip 1 cup of softened unsalted butter on low speed until creamy.
Gradually add 3 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase to medium speed once combined.
Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl and the bottom of the bowl as needed.
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of crushed candy canes using a rubber spatula, ensuring the pieces are evenly distributed.

How to Store Candy Cane Buttercream

Store the buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If stored in the refrigerator, it will last up to a week. Bring to room temperature before re-whipping. You can also freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then re-whip before using.

Make Ahead

Candy cane buttercream is perfect for making ahead. Whip up a batch, store it in the fridge or freezer, and have it ready to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies whenever the holiday spirit strikes. Re-whipping ensures it returns to its smooth, creamy consistency.

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What does peppermint buttercream frosting go best with?

This peppermint frosting is good for so many things! You can use it for a candy cane cake, a chocolate cake with a white chocolate ganache drip, chocolate candy cane cupcakes, or even as a part of homemade peppermint candy in chocolate-dipped buttercreams.

Why make candy cane buttercream?

Every year, my kitchen becomes a candy cane haven, and this buttercream is always on my list of must-make recipes. The combination of smooth buttercream and crushed peppermint candies is a nostalgic nod to holiday treats from my childhood. Whether I’m frosting sugar cookies for a party or piping it onto chocolate cupcakes for a family gathering, this frosting never fails to delight.

one sugar cookie and one chocolate cookie frosted with candy cane buttercream and a spoon of candy cane buttercream in between them

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

While unsalted butter is recommended for controlling salt levels, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just omit any added salt in the recipe.

How do I crush candy canes without making a mess?

Place candy canes in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin. This keeps the mess contained and ensures even-sized bits.

Can I color this frosting?

Absolutely! Add a drop or two of red gel food coloring for a festive pink hue or swirl it for a candy cane effect.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring it to room temperature and whip it again before using.

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