Candy Cane Cookies
Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon red food color
2 tablespoons finely crushed peppermint candies
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 egg
3 1/2 cups Gold Medal� all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Direcitons

1.   Stir together 1 cup sugar, the butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint extract and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough in half. Stir food color into 1 half.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. 

2.   Heat oven to 375�F. 

3.   Stir together peppermint candy and 2 tablespoon sugar; set aside.

4.   For each candy cane, shape 1 rounded teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch rope by rolling back and forth on floured surface. Place 1 red and white rope side by side; press together lightly and twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane. 

5.   Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and very light brown. Immediately sprinkle candy mixture over cookies. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack.
Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Note: Candy sprinkles are optional, they taste fine without them.  Using the sprinkles just adds a little color and zest.
These candy cane cookies take a little time and effort, but are well worth it. 
The kids love them.
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