Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, combine sugar and vegetable oil; mix well. Beat in eggs and peppermint extract.
If using food coloring, beat in now. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls (small bite sized) onto ungreased cookie sheet. Shape into balls.
*Optional: roll in approximately 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
Bake 8-10 min.