Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These cookies combine the classic flavors of peppermint and buttery goodness, making them an ideal addition to festive gatherings. Their striking red and white swirls not only appeal visually but also offer a refreshing taste that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion party or simply indulging in some holiday spirit, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these stunning cookies.
• Festive Appearance: The beautiful red and white swirls make these cookies a standout on any dessert platter.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a unique taste that captures the essence of the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: Great for sharing at parties, gifting, or enjoying with a warm beverage on a cozy evening.
• Perfectly Sweet: The sweetness is balanced by the refreshing mint flavor, making these cookies irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Gather your equipment before starting to ensure that everything is ready when you need it.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Essential for achieving a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture that forms the base of your cookie dough.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough evenly to create uniform layers for those perfect swirls.
• Sharp knife: A must-have for slicing through the chilled dough log, ensuring clean cuts that showcase your beautiful swirls.

Ingredients

For the Cookie 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 Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg until well combined.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract.

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 Dough for Coloring

• Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain.
• Add red gel food coloring to the second half and mix until uniform in color.

Step 5: Chill Dough Balls

This is key for sharp swirls:
– Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap.
– Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once chilled:
– On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle (10×12 inches) about 1/4 inch thick.
– Repeat with red dough to match size and thickness.

Step 7: Layer Doughs

Carefully lay the red dough on top of the plain dough:
– Gently press them together to form one layer.

Step 8: Roll into Log Shape

Starting from one long side:
– Carefully roll both layers tightly into a log shape.
– Press gently while rolling to eliminate air pockets.

Step 9: Chill Log Again

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap:
– Chill again 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).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 11: Coat Dough Log (Optional)

Remove chilled log from refrigerator:
– Brush lightly with water or whisked egg white if desired,
– Roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat evenly.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Using a sharp knife:
– Slice log into rounds (1/4 inch thick).
– Place on prepared baking sheets about an inch apart.

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake for about 8–10 minutes:
– Until edges are lightly golden.
– Do not overbake!

Step 14: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Peppermint Swirl Cookies!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations. Here are some delightful ways to serve these vibrant treats that will impress your guests.

With Hot Cocoa

• A classic pairing, serve your cookies alongside a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream or marshmallows for a cozy treat.

Festive Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with seasonal decorations like pine cones or holly for an eye-catching holiday display.

Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes as thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Add a personalized note to make it special.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use two cookies to create delicious ice cream sandwiches. Choose peppermint or vanilla ice cream for an extra festive touch.

Cookie Decorating Station

• Set up a cookie decorating station where guests can add their own toppings, such as sprinkles or chocolate chips, making it an interactive experience.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, follow these helpful tips for perfecting your baking technique.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps firm it up, making it easier to roll and slice without losing the swirl effect.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Use High-Quality Extracts: Opt for pure peppermint extract instead of imitation for a more authentic flavor in your cookies.
• Roll Evenly: Ensure both layers of dough are rolled out evenly to maintain uniformity in cookie thickness and consistent swirls.
• Sharp Knife Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice through the chilled log cleanly, preventing squished edges and keeping swirls intact.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and minty flavor. Here are some excellent options:

1. Hot Cocoa
   A rich and creamy beverage that enhances the peppermint flavor of the cookies perfectly.
2. Coffee
   A warm cup of coffee provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, ideal for any afternoon snack.
3. Milk
   Classic and simple, milk is always a favorite companion for cookies, balancing sweetness with its creamy taste.
4. Fruit Salad
   Fresh fruit adds a refreshing element that pairs well with the rich flavors of peppermint cookies; try adding berries or citrus fruits.
5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of cheeses offers a savory balance to sweet treats; consider milder cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
6. Tea
   Herbal or green tea can complement the minty flavor while providing a soothing drink option during dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home bakers encounter common pitfalls when making Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined after adding dry ingredients.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can cause the cookies to spread and lose their shape. Always chill both the individual doughs and the log before slicing.
• Inaccurate measurements: Using incorrect ingredient amounts can alter texture and taste. Always measure flour using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.
• Not using parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and perfect shapes.
• Ignoring baking times: Leaving cookies in the oven too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer between layers of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, placing a lid on top for a few minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are festive treats that combine buttery cookie dough with vibrant red peppermint-flavored dough, creating beautiful swirls.

Can I use other extracts?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla if you want to change the flavor profile while keeping peppermint as a central theme.

How do I make Peppermint Swirl Cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg.

How can I customize my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to enhance flavor and texture. Get creative with your mix-ins!

Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Their colorful appearance makes them perfect for holiday gifting or sharing at parties.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually appealing but also offer a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of holiday baking. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or variations. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these festive treats!

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Peppermint Swirl Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the festive spirit with Peppermint Swirl Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the iconic flavors of peppermint and buttery goodness. These eye-catching cookies feature vibrant red and white swirls, making them a stunning addition to any holiday dessert table. Perfect for special occasion parties or cozy evenings at home, these cookies not only offer a refreshing taste but are also easy to make, ensuring even novice bakers can impress their guests. Bring joy to your celebrations with these irresistible bites that balance sweetness with minty freshness.

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Ingredients

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• 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

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in egg, vanilla, and peppermint extracts.
3. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Divide dough in half; color one half red with gel food coloring.
5. Chill both dough halves wrapped in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes.
6. Roll out each colored dough on a floured surface into rectangles.
7. Layer red dough over plain dough and roll into a log shape; chill again for 2 hours.
8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
9. Slice the chilled log into rounds and place on baking sheets.
10. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden; allow to cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg