This is an old family recipe. I used to make these with the kids when they were young. They loved rolling out the "twists" and making the canes.

A word of caution. This makes a buttery, soft, dough. So the baked "candy canes" are somewhat fragile, like a rich butter cookie. Be sure to bake them until the bottoms and edges of the cookies are light brown.

Candy Cane Cookies

1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. flour

1. Mix together butter, shortening, sugar, egg, almond extract and vanilla. 2. To this add the flour.
3. Divide dough in half. Add red food coloring to one part.
4. Take a small piece of the white batter, and roll it with your hands to make a "twist about 5 inches long." Do the same with a small piece of the red batter.
5. Then twist them together and then shape into a candy cane.
6. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350° for about 9 minutes, or until lightly browned.