Candy Cane Cookies

Bill & Tonia really like this recipe. I've made this every year since I've been married. You should give it a try, they are so festive.

CANDY CANE COOKIES

(3 1/2 dozen)

Ingredients:

*1 cup butter, softened

*1 cup confectioners sugar

*1 large egg

*1 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract)

*2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*1/2 cup crushed peppermint hard candies (or candy canes)

*1/2 cup sugar

*2-4 drops of red food coloring.

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

~In a large bowl, combine 1 cup softened  butter, 1 cup confectioners sugar, 1 large egg,  and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract.

~Beat until smooth.

~Mix in 2 1/2 ups flour and 1 teaspoon salt.

~Divide dough half.

~Mix in 2-4 drops food coloring into one half of the dough.

~Roll each color into 4-inch strips (heaping teaspoon for each 4-inch strip)

~Twist the red & white strips together to resemble a candy cane.

~Curve top down to form the candy cane handle.

~Bake for 9-10 minutes.

~In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup crushed peppermint and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together.

~While still warm, roll into peppermint sugar mixture.