# Ingredient list:
→ Dough
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Coloring
08 - Blue gel food coloring
09 - Red gel food coloring
10 - Green gel food coloring
→ Decoration
11 - Festive sprinkles (blue, silver, red, green, gold), optional
12 - Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy.
02 - Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
05 - Separate the dough into three equal portions. Color one portion with blue gel food coloring, the second with red, and the third with green. Knead each until the color is evenly incorporated.
06 - Wrap each colored dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
07 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
08 - Pinch off a tablespoon of dough from two brightly colored portions. Roll each into ropes about 5 inches long. Twist the ropes together and seal the ends. Arrange on prepared baking sheets.
09 - Sprinkle shaped cookies with festive sprinkles if desired.
10 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
11 - Remove from oven. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.
12 - Dust with powdered sugar after cooling, if desired.
