The holiday season brings with it joy, laughter, and a lot of delicious treats. Among these treats, Peppermint Swirl Cookies stand out with their festive colors and refreshing flavor. These delightful cookies combine the classic tastes of peppermint and vanilla, creating a treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even just a cozy evening at home. The beautiful red and white swirls not only make these cookies look stunning but also add a nice crunch thanks to the coarse sugar or crushed peppermint topping. Whether you are baking for family or friends, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and cheers.
Why Make This Recipe
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are more than just a tasty treat; they offer a fun baking experience that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making these cookies:
Festive and Fun: The vibrant red swirls make these cookies perfect for any holiday celebration. They not only taste good but also add a festive touch to your cookie platters.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re a novice baker, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The step-by-step instructions guide you through each part of the process, making it accessible for everyone.
Customizable: Feel free to add your personal touch! You can experiment with different food colorings or even mix in chocolate chips for a twist.
Great for Sharing: These cookies are wonderful for parties, potlucks, or as gifts. Package them nicely, and they will be a hit as a homemade present.
Kid-Friendly: This recipe is an exciting way to include kids in the cooking process. They will love helping with the swirling and rolling!
If you want delicious, beautiful cookies with a holiday spirit, this recipe for Peppermint Swirl Cookies is the perfect choice.
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Follow this detailed guide to create your own batch of these festive cookies.
Ingredients
To make Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 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
- Red gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
Directions
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key for ensuring that your cookies rise nicely and have the right texture. Once mixed, set it aside for later.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes.
Add the Egg and Extracts:
- Once the butter and sugar are fluffy, add in the large egg. Mix until combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, and mix again until everything is well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you just want a soft dough to form.
Divide the Dough:
- Divide your dough into two equal halves. Leave one half plain. Add red gel food coloring to the second half of the dough. Mix until the color is uniform and vibrant.
Chill the Dough:
- Here is the key to sharp swirls! Wrap each half of the dough separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough and makes it easier to handle.
Roll Out the Dough:
- Once chilled, take the plain dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10×12 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Repeat the same steps with the red dough.
Layer the Dough:
- Carefully place the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle and gently press them together.
Roll into a Log:
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Press gently to get rid of air pockets and maintain tightness.
Second Chill:
- After forming the log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap again and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until very firm. This is important for slicing without squishing the swirls.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Dough Log:
- Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator. If you like, brush the log lightly with water or a beaten egg white. Then roll it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat evenly.
Slice the Cookies:
- Using a sharp knife, slice the dough log into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Lay the cookies on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Bake the Cookies:
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until you see the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking as this can make them too crunchy.
Cool:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Following these steps will help you make beautiful and tasty Peppermint Swirl Cookies that everyone will love.
How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, they are ready to serve. Here are some ideas for enjoying them:
With Milks and Hot Drinks: These cookies pair wonderfully with milk, hot cocoa, or coffee. The peppermint flavor tastes even better when combined with a warm drink.
On a Festive Platter: Arrange the cookies on a decorated platter for a holiday party. Add some fresh mint leaves or holiday-themed decorations to enhance the presentation.
As a Gift: Place the cookies in a festive box or jar. They make great gifts for neighbors and friends during the holiday season.
How to Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies
If you happen to have leftover cookies (which is rare, but possible!), you can store them properly to maintain freshness:
At Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week.
In the Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge. They can last up to two weeks when sealed properly.
Freezing: If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can freeze the dough log before slicing and baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
Tips to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
To ensure your Peppermint Swirl Cookies turn out perfect, consider these tips:
Chill the Dough Well: Don’t skip the chilling step. It’s crucial for keeping the colors from bleeding and helps with slicing.
Uniform Rolling: When rolling out your dough, try to keep both pieces the same thickness for even baking.
Consistent Slices: Use a sharp knife with a gentle sawing motion to slice the cookies. This helps maintain the defined swirls.
Experiment with Flavors: If you love the peppermint flavor but want to add a twist, consider adding crushed chocolate candy canes or switching out the extracts.
Variation
While the classic Peppermint Swirl Cookies are delicious on their own, you can make some variations for added fun:
Chocolate Peppermint Cookies: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolaty twist on the original.
Mint Chocolate Chip Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Different Colors: Instead of red, try green gel food coloring for St. Patrick’s Day or any other festive occasion.
FAQs
Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?
Yes, you can! Almond extract or even orange zest can make interesting flavor combinations if you prefer something different.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored properly, they will remain fresh for up to a week.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough log before slicing and baking. Wrap it tightly and it can last for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before slicing.
By using this guide, you will make sure that your Peppermint Swirl Cookies become a favorite among your friends and family, adding joy to your holiday season!
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two halves. Leave one half plain and mix red gel food coloring into the other half until the color is uniform.
- Wrap each half of the dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the plain dough into a rectangle about 10x12 inches and 1/4 inch thick, then do the same with the red dough.
- Layer the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle and gently press them together.
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the layered dough tightly into a log.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap again and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator and optionally brush lightly with water or a beaten egg white, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
- Slice the dough log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Do not overbake.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.