Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a festive treat that will fill your home with warmth and cheer. Their vibrant red and white swirls create a visual delight, while the rich, buttery flavor meets a refreshing burst of peppermint in every bite. As they bake, the sweet aroma will envelop your kitchen, making the holidays feel even more special. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, making it perfect for both family gatherings and cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are truly a holiday favorite, ideal for festive gatherings or simply enjoying during a quiet evening at home. Their striking appearance makes them a delightful addition to cookie platters, while the blend of buttery sweetness and minty freshness offers a satisfying flavor profile. Plus, they are easy to make, using accessible ingredients that you likely have on hand. Enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa or share them as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
This recipe celebrates the delightful flavors of the holiday season with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The vivid red from the gel food coloring captures the spirit of winter festivities, while the rich aroma of peppermint fills the air, evoking warmth and comfort. The soft, buttery texture of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of coarse sugar or crushed peppermint on the outside. Using fresh ingredients ensures a natural appeal that’s both sustainable and delicious, perfect for creating memories.
What You’ll Need
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
(provides structure; consider using whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)1 teaspoon baking powder
(acts as a leavening agent for soft cookies)1/2 teaspoon salt
(balances sweetness)1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
(adds richness; can substitute with coconut oil for dairy-free)1 cup granulated sugar
(sweetens the dough; you can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)1 large egg
(binds the ingredients; for vegan, use flax egg)1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(enhances flavor)1 teaspoon peppermint extract
(infuses the cookies with refreshing mint)Red gel food coloring
(for festive swirls; natural dyes can be used for color)1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
(adds sparkle and crunch)
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to combine flavors and create a dry blend.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts for rich flavor.
3. Combine Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, mixing on low speed until just combined. A soft dough should form—be careful not to overmix!
4. Divide and Color
Divide the dough in half. Leave one part plain. Add red gel food coloring to the second half until evenly colored—a visual treat awaits!
5. Chill the Dough
This is the key to sharp swirls: Wrap each portion of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough for easier handling.
6. Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, lightly flour a surface. Roll out the plain dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the red dough.
7. Layer the Dough
Carefully lay the red dough on top of the plain rectangle. Gently press together to ensure cohesion without losing definition.
8. Roll into a Log
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the layered dough into a tight log. Press gently to eliminate air pockets; a consistent tightness prevents gaps.
9. Chill Again
Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours to firm it up further, which keeps the swirls intact when slicing.
10. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
11. Coat and Slice
Remove the log from the fridge. Brush lightly with water or whisked egg white, then coat in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint. Slice into 1/4 inch rounds and arrange on the baking sheets.
12. Bake
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until edges are barely golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain chewiness.
13. Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Enjoy their delightful mild crispness and melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Essential Tools
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer (optional for ease)
- Plastic wrap (for chilling dough)
- Rolling pin (for flattening the dough)
- Parchment paper (for baking sheets)
- Sharp knife (for slicing cookies)
These tools help ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable, yielding gorgeous cookies!
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
Prepare these cookies ahead of time by making the dough and chilling it for up to 2 days in advance. After baking, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Simply thaw to enjoy!
Perfect Pairings
Serve these Peppermint Swirl Cookies alongside a steaming cup of peppermint hot chocolate or classic eggnog for a festive touch. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, where the cookie’s soft texture complements the creaminess. Dishing them out on colorful plates enhances their holiday appeal, making them irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Dough Too Dry: If your dough feels crumbly, add a splash of milk until it becomes pliable.
- Chocolate Coating Breaks: Ensure the melted chocolate is smooth and warm before dipping.
- Unevenly Shaped Balls: Use a cookie scoop to achieve uniform sizes, ensuring even baking.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Make sure to chill the dough well; this keeps the swirls sharp and prevents spreading.
- Use high-quality extracts for a more robust flavor.
- Experiment with different types of sprinkles or colored sugars for a fun twist on the finishing touch!
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Chocolate-Peppermint Swirl: Incorporate cocoa powder into one half of the dough for a chocolatey version.
- Add-Ins: Mix in dark or white chocolate chunks for an extra indulgence.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace the butter with a nut-free margarine if you need to accommodate allergies.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
- For Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dough log. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?
You can use almond extract or omit it entirely for a plain dough, but the flavor will be different.
How can I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Ensure the dough is well chilled before baking, and avoid overmixing when combining ingredients.
Can I use different colored gel food coloring?
Absolutely! Get creative with colors to match different holidays or themes.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Delight in making these festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies that are sure to bring smiles and warmth to your home. Share your baking experience with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to tag us in your creations! For more delicious recipes, check out our dessert category here: {internal_link_1}.
Print
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Total Time: 170 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive cookies with vibrant red and white swirls, combining rich buttery flavor and refreshing peppermint.
Ingredients
- 2 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
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half; leave one part plain and color the second half with red gel food coloring.
- Wrap each portion of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the plain dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat with the red dough.
- Carefully lay the red dough on top of the plain rectangle and press together to ensure cohesion.
- Roll the layered dough into a tight log and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Brush the log with water or whisked egg white, coat in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint, slice into 1/4 inch rounds, and arrange on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are barely golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
You can freeze the unbaked dough log for future use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, peppermint, holiday, dessert, festive
