Delightful and vibrant, Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring a festive sparkle to any occasion. Their playful colors and refreshing flavor make them a favorite during the holiday season and beyond. These cookies are not only visually stunning, but they also boast a lovely peppermint taste that pairs beautifully with the buttery sweetness of classic cookie dough. With a simple preparation process, you can create these show-stopping treats in no time!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 120
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 80 mg
Why Make This Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect blend of creativity and taste, ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa. The delightful swirl of red and green colors not only looks festive but also indicates the refreshing minty flavor hidden within. Plus, these cookies are easy and fun to make, making them a great baking project for the whole family.
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Follow these steps to create your own batch of Peppermint Swirl Cookies that are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step that ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, creating a tender cookie.
Step 3: Adding Eggs and Flavors
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts to infuse the mixture with flavor.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 5: Coloring the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other, mixing until the colors are well integrated. Aim for vibrant shades for striking visual appeal.
Step 6: Rolling the Dough
Roll out each colored dough between two sheets of wax paper into rectangles. This method helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to achieve even thickness.
Step 7: Layering the Dough
Carefully layer the doughs on top of each other, pressing gently to adhere. Roll the layered dough tightly into a log and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.
Step 8: Slicing the Cookies
Once chilled, slice the log into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that they have some space in between for spreading.
Step 9: Baking
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 10: Cooling and Finishing
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to add an extra touch of holiday cheer.
How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Serve these delightful cookies on a festive platter at holiday parties, or pack them in a decorative box as a homemade gift. They are perfect as an accompaniment to holiday beverages like eggnog or hot chocolate.
How to Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Color Variation: Feel free to experiment with different colors for various occasions, using different food coloring to match themes.
- Use Quality Extracts: For the best flavor, use high-quality vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Peppermint Swirls: Add cocoa powder to one half of the dough for a chocolate variation.
- Sprinkle Topping: Before baking, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or festive sprinkles on top for added crunch and decoration.
- Nutty Addition: Incorporate finely chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch within the cookie.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness in baking, but if you’re using salted, just omit adding extra salt in the recipe. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges. The centers may appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as they cool. -
Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! Almond or vanilla extracts can provide a wonderful twist if you prefer different flavors. -
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is sticking to your hands or surfaces, chill it for an additional 10-15 minutes. You can also sprinkle a little flour on your workspace. -
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just be sure to mix your batches thoroughly for consistent flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are an impressive yet simple treat that everyone will love. Their vibrant colors and refreshing mint flavor make them perfect for any festive occasion. Whether enjoyed with friends and family or shared as gifts, these cookies are sure to bring joy and delight. So gather your ingredients, channel your creativity, and whip up a batch of these beautiful cookies that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate!
Print
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful and vibrant Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring a festive sparkle to any occasion with their refreshing peppermint flavor and playfully colorful appearance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Divide the dough in half. Add red food coloring to one half and green to the other, mixing well.
- Roll out each colored dough between wax paper into rectangles.
- Layer the doughs on top of each other. Roll into a log and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Slice the log into rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack and dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
Chill the dough to maintain shape while baking, experiment with colors, and use high-quality extracts for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
