Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Velvet Center

Instructions:

1. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave the first half plain. To the second half, fold in the peppermint extract and red gel coloring, kneading by hand until the color is uniform.
4. Roll each color into a rectangle of equal size (approximately 6x3 inches) using a rolling pin.
5. Carefully layer the red rectangle on top of the white. Starting from the long edge, roll the two layers together tightly into a cylinder.
6. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.
7. Slice the chilled log into cookies and bake for 12 minutes.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and top with crushed peppermint candies if desired.