# What You Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Swirl & Decoration
08 - Red gel food coloring
09 - 1/2 cup holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
02 - Beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
05 - Split dough evenly into two portions; leave one plain and mix red gel food coloring into the other until vibrant red color is achieved.
06 - Roll each dough portion between parchment sheets into a rectangle approximately 9 by 12 inches (23 by 30 cm).
07 - Refrigerate both dough rectangles for 20 minutes to facilitate handling.
08 - Place the red dough rectangle atop the plain dough, remove parchment, press gently together, and trim edges for clean lines.
09 - Starting at the long edge, roll the combined dough tightly into a log using parchment to assist.
10 - Optionally, roll the log in holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar to coat the exterior.
11 - Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until very firm.
12 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
13 - Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into rounds about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick; place on baking sheets 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.
14 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set and bottoms are lightly golden.
15 - Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
