# What You 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, for rolling)
# How To Make:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
02 - Beat butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
03 - Add egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; beat until evenly combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing to just incorporate without overworking.
05 - Split dough evenly into two portions; knead red gel food coloring into one portion until uniformly tinted, leaving the other plain.
06 - Roll each portion between parchment papers into rectangles about 9 by 13 inches and 1/4 inch thick.
07 - Refrigerate both dough sheets for 30 minutes to firm up.
08 - Remove top parchment; place red dough over plain dough aligning edges and gently press together.
09 - Starting at the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log using the parchment paper to assist.
10 - Wrap the log in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1.5 hours until firm.
11 - Roll chilled log in crushed candy canes for decorative edging if desired.
12 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
13 - Cut the log into 1/4-inch thick slices and arrange on prepared sheets spaced 1 inch apart.
14 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges begin to turn golden.
15 - Let cookies cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
