Peppermint Twists

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Place butter and sugar in bowl.
3. 3
   Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy.
4. 4
   Add egg yolk, peppermint flavoring and vanilla; beat until well mixed.
5. 5
   Add flour and salt; beat at low speed until well mixed.
6. 6
   Remove half of dough from bowl.
7. 7
   Add small amount of red food color to dough in bowl; mix well.
8. 8
   Divide each half of dough into quarters; roll each quarter to 9-inch log.
9. 9
   Place 1 red log next to 1 white log; twist gently to swirl dough.
10. 10
    Roll gently to smooth.
11. 11
    Repeat with remaining dough.
12. 12
    Cut each swirled rope of dough into 9 pieces; roll each piece gently into a ball.
13. 13
    Roll each ball in coarse grain sugar, if desired.
14. 14
    Place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
15. 15
    Bake 11-13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
16. 16
    Immediately press 1 chocolate chip in center of each ball.