# What You'll 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 (optional)
10 - 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; 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 - Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until fully combined.
04 - Gradually blend in the flour mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms.
05 - Split dough into two portions; knead red gel coloring into one half until uniform, leaving the other plain.
06 - Shape each dough half into rectangles, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
07 - Roll each dough piece separately between parchment paper to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
08 - Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough, remove the top parchment, and gently press together.
09 - From the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log; wrap and chill at least 30 minutes until firm.
10 - Preheat oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment paper.
11 - Cut the chilled log into 1/4-inch slices; place on prepared sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
12 - Optionally, sprinkle slices with crushed peppermint candies.
13 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and surface loses shine.
14 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack until completely cooled.
