Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any occasion. These cookies not only look stunning with their vibrant red and white swirls, but they also boast a refreshing peppermint flavor that is perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a family celebration or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress with their eye-catching design and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive Appearance: The striking red and white swirls make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table or gift box.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and peppermint creates a refreshing cookie that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas, holiday parties, or anytime you want to add a festive touch to your baking.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Great for baking with children, as they’ll love rolling the dough and creating the swirls.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures the butter and sugar blend smoothly, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly for perfect layers and swirls.
- Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
For Coloring and Coating
- Red gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you’ll incorporate it into the wet ingredients later.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg along with both extracts until well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough.
Step 4: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain while adding red gel food coloring to the second half. Mix until the color is uniform throughout.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving sharp swirls.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, lightly flour your surface. Roll out both dough halves into rectangles measuring about 10×12 inches and around 1/4 inch thick.
Step 7: Layer the Dough
Carefully lay the red rectangle on top of the plain rectangle. Gently press them together to ensure they stick without bleeding colors.
Step 8: Roll into a Log
Starting from one long side, carefully roll up both layers tightly into a log shape. Press gently as you roll to eliminate air pockets.
Step 9: Chill Again
Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap again. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until very firm.
Step 10: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) while lining your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 11: Coat with Sugar
Remove chilled dough from refrigerator. If desired, brush lightly with water or whisked egg white before rolling it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
Step 12: Slice Cookies
Using a sharp knife, slice your log into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place these slices about an inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
Step 13: Bake
Bake cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for best results.
Step 14: Cool Down
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies!
How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies alongside a rich mug of hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream.
As Holiday Gifts
- Gift Boxes: Arrange the cookies in festive boxes, perfect for gifting during the holiday season.
- Cookie Jars: Fill glass jars with cookies and tie them with ribbons for a charming homemade gift.
At Parties
- Dessert Table: Include these colorful cookies on your dessert table for a vibrant display.
- Cookie Exchange: Bring Peppermint Swirl Cookies to cookie swap events for a unique offering.
How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Achieving the perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling helps maintain the shape and prevents colors from bleeding.
- Use Food Coloring Sparingly: A little red gel food coloring goes a long way; add gradually for desired vibrancy.
- Roll Evenly: Ensure both dough rectangles are rolled out evenly for consistent swirls in every cookie.
- Slice with Care: Use a sharp knife when cutting the log to prevent squishing and maintain swirl definition.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when edges are lightly golden.
- Cool Properly: Allow cookies to cool on racks to achieve the perfect texture without becoming soggy.
Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies
While Peppermint Swirl Cookies shine on their own, they can be paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options.
- Milk: A classic companion that enhances the sweetness of the cookies; serve cold or warm.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits balances out the sweetness; consider using seasonal fruits.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, like cream cheese or brie, for a savory counterpoint.
- Nut Mix: Provide a bowl of spiced nuts for added crunch and flavor contrast with the soft cookies.
- Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for indulgent bliss.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside cookies for a delightful breakfast treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps prevent the colors from bleeding and keeps the swirls sharp. Always chill both the dough balls and the log before slicing.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Combine until just mixed for a softer texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to achieve the perfect cookie consistency.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden at the edges. Overbaked cookies can turn dry and lose their appealing texture.
- Using too much food coloring: A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount of red gel food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Freeze unbaked dough logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
- Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container.
Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Swirl Cookies.
Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?
Yes! You can experiment with other extracts like almond or vanilla for different flavor profiles.
How do I make Peppermint Swirl Cookies gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
Can I add chocolate chips to my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips after mixing your dough for an added treat.
How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?
When stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.
What can I use instead of red gel food coloring?
You can use beet juice or any natural dye if you prefer not to use artificial coloring.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously festive. Their unique swirled design makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving. Feel free to customize them by adding chocolate chips or using different colors for occasions throughout the year!
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Indulge in the festive spirit with Peppermint Swirl Cookies, a delightful treat that combines vibrant red and white swirls with a refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies not only look stunning but are also easy to make, making them an ideal baking activity for families. With a buttery dough infused with minty goodness and topped with sparkling sugar, these colorful cookies will impress your guests and bring cheer to any occasion.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
Instructions
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed.
- Divide the dough; leave one half plain and color the other half with red gel food coloring. Mix until uniform.
- Chill both dough portions wrapped in plastic for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out each portion into rectangles (10×12 inches) on a floured surface.
- Layer the colored dough on top of the plain dough, press gently to adhere.
- Roll tightly into a log and chill again for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Brush rolled log lightly with water or egg white before coating in coarse sugar or crushed candies.
- Slice into rounds (about 1/4 inch thick) and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Chill the dough thoroughly to maintain sharp swirls when slicing. Experiment with different food coloring or extracts for unique variations.