# 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
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; beat until evenly combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture on low speed until a soft dough forms.
05 - Split dough in half, knead red gel food coloring into one half until uniform; leave the other plain.
06 - Shape each portion into a rectangle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
07 - Roll each dough piece separately between parchment paper to approximately 1/4 inch thickness.
08 - Stack the red dough atop the plain, remove top parchment, press gently together, then roll tightly from the long side into a log; wrap and chill at least 30 minutes until firm.
09 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10 - Cut chilled dough log into 1/4-inch thick rounds; place on sheets spaced 2 inches apart.
11 - Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies atop cookies if desired.
12 - Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and surface loses shine.
13 - Allow cookies to cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
