Candy Cane Cookies

As promised I will start posting my Christmas cookie recipes. First one up are the Candy Cane Cookies. These are so cute and fun to make, they just really brighten up any cookie tray and taste excellent.

Candy Cane Cookies

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 egg
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
green food coloring
red food coloring

Directions
1. In a bowl, cream butter, shortening and sugars.
2. Beat in milk, egg and extracts.
3. Gradually add flour and salt.
4. Set aside half of the dough.
5. Divide remaining dough in half; add green food coloring to one portion and red food coloring to the other.
6. Wrap dough separately in plastic wrap.
7. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until easy to handle. (It takes me about 2 hours normally)
8. Roll ½ teaspoonfuls of each color of dough in to 3-inch ropes, dusting with flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking
9. Place each green rope next to a white rope; press together gently and twist.
10. Repeat with red ropes and remaining white ropes.
11. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
12. Curve one end, forming a cane.
13. Bake at 350° for 11-13 minutes or until set.
14. Cool for 2 minutes; carefully remove to wire racks.

Ease of execution: 7/10
Taste: 10/10
Health: 4/10