candy cane cookie

A traditional Christmas cookie, at least in my family.  Everyone's favorite for appearance and taste around the holiday season.

1     c.    Butter
1 c. Confectioners Sugar
1 lg. Egg
1/2 t. Vanilla Extract
1/2 t. Peppermint Extract
2-1/2 c. Flour
1/4 t. Salt
1/4 t. Red food coloring
1/4 c. Crushed Peppermint Candy
  • Beat butter, add sugar and beat until fluffy.
  • Beat in egg and extracts.
  • Add dry ingredients.
  • Divide dough in half, and add red food coloring and peppermint candy to one half.
  • Chill dough 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Line cookie sheet with parchment.
  • Roll dough into segments about 8 to 10 inches long.
  • Take one red and one white segment and intertwine the two.  
  • Shape into a candy cane, and place on the cookie sheet.
  • Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies begin to brown slightly.
  • Enjoy (and do so quickly, because they won't last long)
Total time: about 90 minutes
Time to prepare: about 30 minutes
Cooking time: 8 to 10 minutes
Makes: 3 to 4 dozen 
Notes:
Probably my favorite Christmas cookie.  Unlike some cookies, I like to wait until they're cool before eating, when the texture becomes crisp and crumbly and the flavor becomes sweet and minty.