In a large mixing bowl, blend together butter, shortening or coconut oil, powdered sugar, egg, almond, peppermint and vanilla extracts.
Blend in flour and salt.
Divide dough in half, coloring half of the dough with red food coloring (I used a gel food coloring).
Pinch off a dime sized piece of both colors. Roll each into a "snake" shape (aka long skinny roll) and then roll both pieces lightly together under your hand on a flat surface (colors will sort of combine).
Lightly pinching ends, slowly twist one end forward and the other end backward to make it striped like a candy cane.
Lift carefully to cookie sheet and form a hooked candy cane handle. Bake for about 9 minutes.
When you pull the cookie sheet out of the oven, sprinkle sugar over the tops of each candy cane.
Let cool on cookie sheet before carefully removing and placing on flat surface or cooling rack. Enjoy!