Candy Cane Cookies

The peppermint extract really adds a fun flavour to these simple cookies.  Perfect for your holiday cookie tray!

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. pepperminte extract (flavouring)

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. red food colouring

Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg, vanilla and peppermint.  In separate mixing bowl, combine flour, salt and baking powder.  Stir into creamed mixture.  Divide dough in half.  Blend food colouring into one portion.  Cover and chill all dough about 30 minutes (this is important because it makes the dough easier to manipulate).

Divide each dough into 30 balls; keep 1/2 of each dough chilled till ready to use.

Roll each ball into ropes; for each cane, pinch together a red and a white rope end; twist ropes together.  Form into candy cane shape and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 F (190 C) for about 10 minutes.