# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Coloring
09 - Red gel food coloring
→ Garnish
10 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (optional)
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
02 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
05 - Split dough into two equal parts. Knead red gel food coloring into one half until evenly colored; leave the other plain.
06 - Shape both dough halves into rectangles, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
07 - Roll each dough piece separately between parchment paper into rectangles approximately 1/4 inch thick.
08 - Stack red dough atop plain dough, remove top parchment, and gently press together; starting from a long edge, tightly roll into a log.
09 - Wrap the dough log tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
10 - Heat oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment paper.
11 - Cut the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick rounds; place on prepared sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
12 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over cookies if desired.
13 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and cookie surface is no longer shiny.
14 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
