Watch CBS News

PTL Christmas Recipe: The Highfield Family's Candy Cane Cookies

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- David Highfield is always raving about his aunt's Christmas cookies. Here's her recipe for one of them!

Candy Cane Cookie Recipe
The original recipe came from a 1971 recipe card library put out by Betty Crocker. I made a few modifications over the years.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup shortening (I use Crisco butter-flavored sticks)
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Enough red food coloring to make desired red color

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix thoroughly butter, shortening, confectioners' sugar, egg and flavorings. Blend in flour and salt. Divide dough in half; blend red food coloring into one half.

Shape 1 teaspoon dough from each half into a 4-inch rope. (Roll dough back and forth on lightly floured board to get smooth, even ropes). Place ropes side by side; press together slightly and twist.

Place completed canes on ungreased baking sheet (mine are lined with silicone mats). Curve top of cookie down to form handle of cane.

Bake about 9 minutes or until set and very light brown. Remove immediately from baking sheet and cool on wire racks.

Makes about two dozen cookies.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.