# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
→ Coloring & Decoration
09 - Red gel food coloring
10 - 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (optional)
# Method:
01 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl; set aside.
02 - 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 to the butter mixture; beat until combined.
04 - Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just incorporated.
05 - Split dough into two equal portions; knead red gel food coloring into one portion until uniformly tinted, leaving the other plain.
06 - Roll each portion between parchment sheets into 9 by 13 inch rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
07 - Refrigerate both dough rectangles for 30 minutes until firm.
08 - Remove top parchment, layer red dough over plain dough aligning edges, press gently, then roll from long side into a tight log using parchment paper.
09 - Wrap log in parchment and chill for at least 1.5 hours until firm.
10 - Roll the chilled log in crushed candy canes to create a decorative edge.
11 - Set oven to 350°F, line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12 - Cut the chilled log into 1/4-inch thick slices and place on prepared sheets about 1 inch apart.
13 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges begin to lightly brown.
14 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
