Candy Cane Cookies

There are some Christmas traditions that stay with you long after the decorations are packed away, and for me, candy cane cookies are one of them. I can still remember standing next to my mom in our kitchen, sleeves rolled up wearing one of her aprons and rolling out the dough while the house filled with the sweet scent of peppermint and butter. Every now and then, I'd sneak a small bite of the cool, sugary, and perfectly minty dough just before we would twist the red and white strands together into their familiar candy cane shape.

Candy Cane Cookies. A family tradition that keeps our homestead kitchen smelling like peppermint.

These cookies weren't just something we baked; they were something we made together. Each twist carried laughter, sticky fingers, and the kind of simple joy that only comes from slowing down and sharing time in the kitchen. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and finished with that classic peppermint flavor, candy cane cookies have become a shortbread-style family favorite that feels just as special today as it did back then.

Whether you're continuing a long-held tradition or starting a new one on your own, these cookies are a sweet reminder that some of the best holiday memories are made one batch at a time.

Ingredients

1 cup butter - room temp

1 cup powdered sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. peppermint extract

3 cups flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 to 3/4 tsp. red food coloring

Directions

1. Beat butter and powdered sugar until soft. Add eff, vanilla, and peppermint. Mix well.

2. Add flour and salt, mix until combined - don't over mix.

3. Remove half, set aside. Add 1/2 tsp. red food coloring* to remaining dough and mix on low speed. Add additional color if needed.

4. Wrap both dough discs in plastic wrap and put in the fridge for one hour.

5. Preheat oven to 375°

6. Remove dough from fridge, pinch 1 Tbsp. dough from each disc, roll rope about 6" and twist together.

7. Chill 15 minutes before baking.

8. Bake 10-12 minutes.

9. Cool and enjoy!

Homestead Tip:

• *If you prefer to avoid artificial food coloring, you can substitute

  with beet powder or freeze-dried strawberry powder to create a natural red tint. These ingredients add beautiful color without altering the flavor.

• Want a Gluten Free option? It's easy! Just swap out your favorite all-purpose, measure-for-measure Gluten Free flour for the regular flour listed.