1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add the flour, salt, and extract; mix well.
2. Divide dough into fourths. Tint one portion green and one red; leave the remaining portions plain.
3. Divide each portion into thirds; shape each into a 6-inch log. Flatten into triangular logs, bending the top of one point slightly (to give finished cookies a pinwheel effect.) Assemble one large roll by alternating three green and three plain logs. Wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with red and remaining plain dough. Refrigerate until dough is firm.
4. Unwrap and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool for 1 minute before removing to wire racks.
*These have a strong peppermint smell, but the flavor is not overpowering. Very light and buttery! These were very easy to make once I figured out how to shape a triangle log. Also, I divided my dough so that I could also combine the green and red logs together.
The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold. Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light as well as weath and royalty.