# 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)
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
02 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture and blend until fully combined.
04 - Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined.
05 - Split the dough evenly into two portions; tint one portion with red gel food coloring and knead until evenly colored, leaving the other plain.
06 - Roll each dough portion between parchment paper into 9 by 13 inch rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
07 - Refrigerate both rectangles for 30 minutes until firm.
08 - Remove the top parchment, then place the red rectangle atop the plain one, aligning edges and gently pressing together.
09 - Using the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log with help from parchment paper.
10 - Wrap the log in parchment and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours until firm.
11 - Optionally roll the chilled log in crushed candy canes for a decorative edge.
12 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
13 - Cut the log into 1/4-inch rounds and space 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
14 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges just turn golden.
15 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
