I made this cookie once about 10 years ago and a couple more times 7-8 years ago and then promptly forgot about making them again until Christmas of 2003 when I stumbled across my recipe again and I've made every year since. This will be our 5th year in a row they've graced the cookie platters we give out. Honestly, it's one of the first cookies grabbed and gobbled down. They are a favorite of the masses.
Peppermint Pinwheel Cookies
3/4 c butter
3/4 c sugar
1 egg yolk
1 t vanilla extract
2 c flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/2 t peppermint extract
red food color
In mixing bowl cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the sugar mixture. Mix well. Divide dough in half. Add the red food color and peppermint extract to one half, leaving the other white. On a lightly floured work surface roll out the dough to a 16 X 10 inch rectangle with a piece of wax paper between the dough and your rolling pin. Repeat with the second dough. Carefully place the first dough over the second and lightly roll them to bind together. Roll up tightly from the long side. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a couple hours until firm.
Unwrap the dough and cut into 1/4 inch slices placing them approximately 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets or parchment lined sheets. Bake at 350 approximately 12-14 minutes until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from the baking sheet to a rack to cool completely.
