Classic twisted sugar cookies with red and white dough, flavored with almond and peppermint, shaped like candy canes — a festive and fun holiday treat.
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp almond extract
¼ tsp peppermint extract (optional)
½ tsp salt
Red food coloring
Crushed candy canes or sanding sugar (optional)
Cream butter and sugar. Add egg, milk, and extracts. Mix well.
Add flour and salt. Mix into a soft dough.
Divide dough in half. Tint one half with red food coloring. Wrap both portions and chill for 30–45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets.
Roll 1 tsp each of red and white dough into ropes. Twist and form into candy cane shapes.
Place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
Bake 8–10 minutes until set but not browned.
Sprinkle with crushed candy cane or sugar, if desired. Cool on racks.
Chill dough well before shaping.
Use almond or vanilla extract based on preference.
Freeze unbaked shaped cookies for up to 1 month.