Peppermint Sticks

... or Candy Cane Cookies ... whichever is easier for your kids!

We opted for Peppermint Sticks, except that they are not peppermint flavored, they're just mint!  Doesn't really matter, mint is a preference and I didn't have peppermint extract on hand.

Peppermint Sticks
Yield:  Approx. 4 dozen

1 cup butter, softened (no substitutions)
1 cup confectioners' sugar (also known as powdered sugar)
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. green food coloring (my preference ... but red is great, too)
1/2 tsp. peppermint or mint extract

Mix butter, confectioners' sugar, and egg in a large bowl.  Blend in the flour and salt.  Divide the dough in half, placing half in a smaller mixing bowl.  Blend food coloring and extract into the half in the bowl.  Cover both halves with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour (I completely skipped this step without problem).

Heat oven to 350 degrees. 

Take 1 tsp. colored dough and shape into a 4 inch long rope (we used 1 1/2 tsp for the sticks).  Repeat with white dough.   Roll on a lightly floured surface for smooth, even ropes.  Place the ropes side by side and press together lightly.  Twist!  Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.  To create candy canes, curve the top of each cookie down to form a handle or J.  Bake 11 minutes or until set and lightly browned.  Carefully remove cookies to a cooling rack.

Angelina and Dash roll the ropes while Graham watches their progress

Pre-baked 'sticks'

Our Mint Sticks - YUM!