Psychedelic Christmas Cookies

I found this recipe in the Indianapolis Star. It won thrid prize in a cooking contest. The girls had fun mixing the food coloring into the dough with their hands. They were quite festive!

3/4 cup butter, softened (do not substitute)
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon red liquid food coloring
1/4 teaspoon green liquid food coloring

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half; add extract and red food coloring to one portion and green food coloring to other.

Roll out each portion of dough between waxed paper into a 16-by-10-inch rectangle (to save dough and time, trim after dough portions have been laid over each other.) Place red rectangle over green rectangle (removing waxed paper). Roll up tightly, jelly roll style, starting with the long side (bottom layer may stick). Wrap well in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or until firm. (I put in the freezer for about an hour.)

Remove plastic wrap from dough and cut into 1/4-inch slices. (Use sharp knife warmed in hot water.)

Place cookies 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until set. (I only baked for 10 minutes because I like a softer cookie!) Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.