Day 11: Candy Canes

Our 11th Day of Cookies features baker Tim Jackson, who works at our Headquarters location in Bridgetown. He's made Candy Canes from Better Homes and Gardens: Cookies for Christmas. Hang these on your tree for an edible decoration!

Here's the recipe:

·        1 cup butter or margarine

·        1 cup sifted powdered sugar

·        1 egg

·        ½ teaspoon vanilla

·        ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

·        Dash of salt

·        2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

·        ½ teaspoon red food coloring

·        Peppermint Glaze

In a large mixer bowl beat butter or margarine till softened. Add powdered sugar and beat till fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. Beat well. Add flour and beat till well mixed. Divide dough in half. Stir red food coloring into one half. Cover each half and chill about 30 minutes or till easy to handle.  

                                                                                                   

For each cookie, on a lightly floured surface shape a teaspoonful of plain dough into a 4 inch rope. Repeat with a teaspoonful of red dough. Place ropes side by side and twist together. Pinch ends to seal. Form twisted ropes into canes. Place canes 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 375⁰ oven for 8 to 10 minutes or till done. Remove and cool. If desired, brush with Peppermint Glaze. Makes  48.

 Peppermint Glaze: Stir together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract, and enough water (4 to 5 teaspoons) to make a brushing consistency.