Making Christmas Candy Cane Cookies can be a joyful process if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until well combined.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
6. Divide Dough: Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red food coloring to the other half, mixing until you achieve a vibrant red color.
7. Chill Dough: Wrap both dough portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
8. Form Cookies: Take about a tablespoon of each dough and roll them into ropes, about 6 inches long. Twist one red and one plain dough together to form a candy cane shape.
9. Place on Baking Sheets: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Decorate: Once cooled, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for an extra festive touch.

These steps will guide you in creating incredible Christmas Candy Cane Cookies that will delight your family and friends.