Candy Cane Lane

This is another of my favorite holiday cookie recipes, but I have no idea where Mom originally got it from.

Candy Cane Cookies

Cookies
1 cup butter (room temperature)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 cups sifted flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup quick oatmeal

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Cream the butter.  Gradually add in the powdered sugar; cream until fluffy.  Add the water.  Set aside.

Sift together the flour and salt.  Add it to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.  Blend in the oatmeal (dough will be quite stiff).  Roll into candy cane-shaped cookies and place on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 25-30 minutes; cool.

Frosting
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and one or two drops of mint extract until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency and the desired taste.

Frost the cookies.  When the frosting has set, use a small paintbrush or toothpick dipped in red or green food coloring to paint stripes on the candy cane cookies.

"We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup." ~Buddy, Elf (2003)