Cream butter until fluffy (I usually do this in mixer but the food processor works too). Add eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, peppermint, baking powder, salt and xanthan gum if using. Scrape down and mix again.
Add flours and mix, scraping down the bowl once mid mix.
Remove half of dough
Add food coloring to remaining dough and mix, if it isn't dark enough add more and mix a bit more.
Chill both doughs.
Remove from fridge.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I break off into about one inch balls and roll into 4 inch snakes. I like to re-chill these on the baking sheet a little - maybe 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350.
Remove chilled snakes from fridge twist a white and red snake together. Curve the top down a bit and voila you have a candy cane.
Re-chill dough for 10-20 minutes before baking if they have gotten warm. Bake for about ten minutes until the sides are just golden brown.