The holiday season is officially in full swing, and you know what that means: time to fire up the oven! Whether you're planning a festive spread for your annual holiday party or looking for the perfect treat to share at your family gathering, nothing captures the spirit of Christmas quite like the vibrant swirl of red and white peppermint. These charming Peppermint Candy Candy Cookies from the kitchen of Giovani Cortez and gotocz.com, are crisp, minty and absolutely irresistible! They melt in your mouth and let's be honest, are probably Santa's Favorite! 

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 large egg, room temp

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

Red gel food coloring

DIRECTIONS

1. Beat butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. 

2. Mix in egg, vanilla and peppermint extract. 

3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture. 

4. Divide dough in half. Color one half with red gel food coloring. 

5. Wrap each dough in plastic and chill for 1 hour. 

6. Preheat the oven to 180°F. 

7. Roll equal pieces of red and white dough into ropes, twist together and shape into candy canes or create a loop and tuck the ends in to each other for wreath cookies. 

8. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. 

9. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until just set. Cool on trays before serving. 

**Notes:

- Chill dough between batches for easier handling. 

- Use a teaspoon to portion evenly. 

- Gel food coloring is best - less mess, bolder color. 

- Dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. 

- For extra sparkle, dust with sanding sugar before baking.