Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then pour in the vanilla extract and blend until smooth.

Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and crushed candy canes.

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For an optional drizzle, melt white chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies.