# Components:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Coloring and Decoration
08 - Red gel food coloring
09 - Green gel food coloring
10 - 1/3 cup colored sanding sugar (red and green), optional
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together the 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 and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until fully incorporated without overworking the dough.
05 - Split the dough into three equal portions. Leave one uncolored, tint one with red gel food coloring, and the other with green, ensuring even color distribution.
06 - Roll each portion between parchment sheets into 9 by 6 inch rectangles, maintaining consistent thickness. Chill for 20 minutes.
07 - Stack the colored dough rectangles with the plain dough on the bottom, followed by the red and then the green layer. Trim edges for perfect alignment.
08 - Roll the stacked layers tightly from the long edge into a log, removing parchment as you roll. Optionally coat the exterior with colored sanding sugar.
09 - Wrap the log firmly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully firm.
10 - Heat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
11 - Cut the chilled dough log into 1/4-inch rounds and place on prepared sheets, spacing each cookie approximately 2 inches apart.
12 - Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until cookies are set but not browned. Cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
