Candy Cane Cookies

Instructions

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

2. Add the vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until fully combined.

3. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until a smooth cookie dough forms. Divide the dough in half.

4. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one half of the dough, kneading until the color is evenly distributed and the dough is a vibrant red hue.

5. Take a small amount of each colored dough and roll them into ropes of equal length. Lay the two ropes side by side and gently twist them together to create a swirled effect.

6. Shape the twisted dough into candy cane shapes by curving one end to resemble a hook.

7. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them apart to allow for slight spreading.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies while they are still warm.

10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful mix of buttery cookie and refreshing peppermint flavor!