Candy Cane Cookies

Candy Cane Cookies 
Adapted From Betty Crocker's Cooky Book 
Makes 4 dozen 

1 cup butter 
1 cup sifted icing sugar 
1 egg 
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 
2 1/2 cups flour 
1 teaspoon salt 
red food coloring 

Preheat oven to 375F. 

Cream butter and sugar; add egg and vanilla. Blend thoroughly.

Spoon and measure flour, stir in salt. Add to butter mixture and combine. 

Divide dough into two parts; blend red food coloring into one half until desired shade. 

Taking small bits of dough from each color, roll each into 4 inch strips on a lightly floured surface. Place strips alongside one another, press gently together and twist. Very important - shape cookies one at a time or dough will become too dry to twist. 

Place cookies on parchment lined baking sheet and curve the top of cookie down to form the handle of the candy cane. Bake approximately 9 minutes or until bottoms are just lightly browned. While still warm, remove to cooling rack and if so desired, sprinkle with sugar. Allow to cool completely.