Get ready to experience the ultimate holiday cookie mashup with these decadent Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies! Imagine the nostalgia of classic chocolate chip cookies meeting the festive magic of peppermint sandwich cookies—all baked into one glorious, gooey treat. Each bite is a swirl of rich chocolate, cool mint, chewy centers, and buttery edges. If you’re looking for a dessert that will wow every guest, light up your cookie platters, or just make your winter nights cozier, these Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies are absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for staple baking ingredients plus a few special touches that create layers of flavor and texture. With simple steps and familiar pantry items, you’ll be amazed at how every component brings something truly magical to these cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Creates the soft, tender texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): Delivers deep caramel notes and irresistible chewiness to the cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances sweetness and helps crisp the edges for that perfect bite.
- Large eggs, room temperature (2): Bind the dough and add richness for a moist and flavorful cookie.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, aromatic undertones that enhance both the chocolate and peppermint.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The backbone of your cookies, ensuring a sturdy structure to hold the surprise inside.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Gives these cookies that beautiful lift and delightful chew.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Partners with baking soda for a touch more rise and a lovely, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies the flavors throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups): Melt into gooey pools, offering bursts of chocolate in every layer.
- Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s (12-14, or any peppermint sandwich cookies): The heart of each stuffed cookie, adding creamy, minty surprise in the center.
How to Make Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which not only makes for easy cleanup but also keeps your Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies from sticking and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the blend looks fluffy and light—this step infuses air into your dough and sets the foundation for tender, thick cookies.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract and mix until the dough is creamy and smooth. This will give your Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies that signature rich, homestyle flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until the flour disappears—overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each chip adds an oozy, chocolatey contrast that pairs heavenly with the peppermint center of your Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies.
Step 6: Stuff and Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and press it flat in your hand. Place a Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s in the center, then top with another scoop of dough. Use your fingers to seal the edges completely, hiding the cookie inside for a fun (and delicious!) surprise. Continue until you’ve used all the dough and cookies.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the stuffed cookies on your prepared baking sheets, giving at least 3 inches of space between each. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set. Let them cool on the sheets for 5 minutes so they firm up before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies by drizzling them with melted white chocolate and sprinkling with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles. This not only makes them extra eye-catching but adds more peppermint crunch in every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with mugs of hot cocoa, rich coffee, or even glasses of cold milk for the ultimate dessert experience. Their richness also shines next to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—perfect for building a dreamy holiday sundae.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies on a holiday platter, packaging them in treat bags for gifts, or adding them to a festive dessert board. For a party, create a cookie bar and let guests drizzle and decorate their own with extra chocolate and sprinkles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 5 days, making them perfect for snacking or sharing throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then layer in an airtight container with parchment between each layer. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temp when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring cookies back to that “just-baked” magic, warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The centers get gooey again, and the peppermint filling softens—an instant treat for any sweet tooth.
FAQs
Where can I find Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s if it’s not holiday season?
If you can’t find Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s outside of winter, substitute with any peppermint sandwich cookie or even classic chocolate sandwich cookies. Add some crushed candy canes for the same minty, festive vibe.
Can I prep the dough in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, stuff the cookies, and chill them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilled dough bakes into even thicker, more decadent cookies.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes, but keep in mind the stuffed cookies are meant to be indulgent and substantial. If you want to make smaller treats, use mini sandwich cookies and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Kids absolutely love the hidden surprise inside each cookie! Just be mindful of the peppermint pieces if anyone is sensitive; otherwise, these are a family favorite for all ages.
How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the stuffed dough before baking helps cookies hold their shape. Also, make sure your butter isn’t too warm and be careful not to overcrowd the baking sheets.
Final Thoughts
Every batch of Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies is like gifting yourself a little holiday magic. This recipe is a surefire way to bring extra joy to your kitchen and smiles to everyone you share them with. You’ve got to try these—your cookie platter will never be the same!
Print
Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 large cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s Stuffed Cookies. A perfect blend of chocolatey goodness and minty freshness, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Filling:
- 12–14 Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s (or peppermint sandwich cookies)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Stuff Cookies: Scoop 2 tablespoons of dough, flatten, place a Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s in the center, cover with more dough, and seal edges. Repeat for remaining dough and cookies. Place on baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill dough for thicker cookies.
- Drizzle with white chocolate and crushed candy canes for extra festive touch.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
