Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Name: Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ 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; ¼ cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 5, 2025

Delicious peppermint swirl cookies with festive red and white swirls

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Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that capture the essence of the holiday season with their vibrant colors and fresh minty aroma. These cookies feature a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy center that is simply irresistible. With their festive swirls of red and white, they’re as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds. Made with easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is not only a seasonal favorite but also a sustainable choice that brings a warm, cheerful touch to any gathering.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray or a cozy winter treat for any day. Their inviting taste and visual appeal will impress guests at festive gatherings or simply satisfy your own sweet cravings. With just a few steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them convenient for last-minute baking or unexpected company. Plus, their festive colors and flavors make them versatile enough for various celebrations, from Christmas to New Year’s parties.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe highlights ingredients that are fresh and seasonal, elevating the flavor and visual appeal of your Peppermint Swirl Cookies. The vibrant red gel food coloring adds a striking contrast to the soft white dough, while the peppermint extract infuses a refreshing, minty aroma that fills your kitchen with the spirit of the season. The coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies provide a delightful crunch and shimmer, bringing a festive sparkle to each cookie. Emphasizing local and sustainable ingredients, you can enjoy these delightful treats with a clear conscience, knowing they celebrate the flavors of the season.

What You’ll Need

To make Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Essential for structure; can swap with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
1 teaspoon baking powder
- Helps cookies rise and stay soft.
½ teaspoon salt
- Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- Provides richness; use plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
1 cup granulated sugar
- Sweetens the dough; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier version.
1 large egg
- Binds ingredients together; substitute with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) for vegan options.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Gives the cookies their signature flavor.
Red gel food coloring
- For that festive swirl.
¼ cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
- Adds texture and a sweet crunch.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This mix will create a light texture for your cookies. Set aside to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale in color and airy. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts until thoroughly combined.

3. Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop mixing when a soft dough forms; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

4. Create the Colored Dough

Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain. To the second half, add red gel food coloring, mixing until the color is uniform. This step is essential for sharp swirls.

5. Chill the Dough

Cover each half of the dough separately with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the dough, making it easier to handle.

6. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches and ¼ inch thick. Repeat with the red dough, ensuring both are the same size.

7. Layer and Roll Together

Carefully lay the red dough on top of the plain dough and gently press them together. Start from one long side and roll tightly into a log. Press gently to eliminate air pockets for consistent swirling.

8. Second Chill

Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again for at least 2 hours, until very firm. This crucial step helps maintain the perfect swirl definition when sliced.

9. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

10. Coat the Dough

Remove the chilled log from the refrigerator. If desired, brush lightly with water or a whisked egg white and roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a festive finish.

11. Slice and Bake

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ¼ inch thick rounds and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden, but avoid overbaking.

12. Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully.

Essential Tools

To make Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you will need the following tools:

Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar effectively.
Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough.
Rolling pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
Baking sheets: For placing cookies in the oven.
Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment. For best results, let fully cooled cookies be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked dough log. When ready to bake, slice the frozen cookie log and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Perfect Pairings

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or a warm cup of tea, enhancing their cozy appeal. For a delightful dessert presentation, serve them on a festive platter alongside milk or as part of a vibrant holiday cookie assortment. Their cheerful colors make them a true showstopper at any gathering.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

To ensure your Peppermint Swirl Cookies turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Dough Too Dry: If your dough is crumbly, add a splash of milk until it’s pliable.
Swirls Not Defined: Ensure the log is rolled tightly to prevent gaps in the swirls.
Unevenly Shaped Slices: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Chill the Dough: The chilling process not only helps with texture but enhances flavor, as the ingredients meld together.
Use Quality Extracts: Opt for pure vanilla and peppermint extracts for the best flavor.
Experiment with Color: Mix in other colors of gel food coloring for a festive twist; try green for a minty variation.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Change up the classic Peppermint Swirl Cookies by incorporating different flavors or colors. Try adding chocolate chips to the plain dough for a delicious chocolate-menthol combination. You could also substitute almond extract for a unique flavor profile. For a twist, layer the dough with crushed nuts or different colored swirls for a fun, playful effect.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

If you have dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be adapted. To make it vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg and use dairy-free butter. Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are free from gluten and dairy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, the unbaked dough can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How do I store baked cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider freezing them.
What if I don’t have peppermint extract?
You can substitute with mint extract or leave it out altogether for vanilla cookies.
Can I modify the color?
Absolutely! Feel free to use different gel colors to create a rainbow effect or seasonal themes.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, ensuring it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for texture.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Enjoy making and sharing these Peppermint Swirl Cookies with your family and friends! Their festive colors and delightful flavors are perfect for any occasion. If you try this recipe, let us know how it turns out! Share your creations on social media and tag us. For more delicious holiday treats, visit our dessert section here. Happy baking!