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Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season with every bite of these delightful peppermint swirl cookies. The vibrant red and white stripes not only create a visually stunning treat but also envelop your senses in the refreshing flavor of peppermint. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, preheat your oven and get ready to sprinkle some festive cheer into your kitchen!

Why Make This Recipe

The combination of creamy butter, sugar, and peppermint flavors creates an irresistible cookie that captures the essence of the holidays.
These cookies make for a visually striking centerpiece on any holiday dessert table.
The recipe is simple enough for bakers of all skill levels, making it a fun activity for families or a thoughtful gift for friends.

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies at Home

Creating peppermint swirl cookies at home can be an enjoyable and satisfying process. Follow along as we break down each step to ensure your holiday treats turn out perfectly.

Ingredients

To whip up your batches of peppermint swirl cookies, you will need the following:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon pure peppermint extract (or to taste)
Red gel food coloring (a few drops)
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

Directions

Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes until pale, fluffy, and increased in volume. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically.
Incorporate Egg and Extracts
Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the large egg and beat until just combined. Then, add the pure vanilla extract and pure peppermint extract; mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients
With the mixer still on low speed, gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet mixture, a third at a time. Mix only until just combined after each addition; avoid overmixing. The dough should be soft, pliable, and slightly sticky.
Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain (white portion). To the other half, add several drops of red gel food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed and vibrant.
Chill the Dough
Flatten each ball of dough (white and red) into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This step is crucial for dough firmness and ease of handling.
Prepare Your Workspace
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Retrieve one disk of dough from the refrigerator at a time.
Roll Out the Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface and your rolling pin. Roll out one disk of dough (e.g., white) into an approximately 12×9-inch rectangle, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, aiming for straight edges. Repeat with the red dough to the same dimensions.
Create the Layers
Carefully transfer one rectangle of dough (e.g., white) onto a piece of parchment paper. Gently lay the second rectangle of dough (red) directly on top, aligning the edges as closely as possible. Lightly roll over the top layer to press the two layers together and remove air bubbles.
Form the Swirl Log
Starting from one of the longer sides, carefully and tightly roll the layered dough into a log. Press along the seam to seal it. Gently roll the log back and forth a few times to smooth it out and make it uniformly thick (about 12-14 inches long).
Chill the Log Again
Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour). This second chill firms up the dough for cleaner slicing.
Prepare for Slicing and Topping
While the dough log is chilling, crush peppermint candies or candy canes into small bits. Place the crushed peppermint in a shallow dish or plate.
Slice the Cookies
Once the log is firm, unwrap it and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds. You should get approximately 48-56 cookies from one log.
Add Peppermint Topping
Gently press one side of each cookie into the crushed peppermint candies. Arrange the cookies, peppermint-side up, on your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 to 1 ½ inches between them.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges and set centers. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
Cool on Baking Sheets
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes to firm up before transferring.
Transfer to Wire Rack
After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. The peppermint topping will become crunchy as they cool.
Enjoy and Store
Once fully cooled, your festive peppermint swirl cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.

Keeping Peppermint Swirl Cookies Fresh

To ensure that your delicious peppermint swirl cookies remain fresh and flavorful, consider the following storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
Freezing: For longer preservation, freeze cookies for up to 2 to 3 months. Place in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

These peppermint swirl cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways to enhance your holiday gatherings:

Gift Giving: Package cookies in festive boxes to create delightful gifts for friends or neighbors.
Holiday Parties: Serve alongside hot cocoa, coffee, or tea at holiday parties for a cozy treat.
Cookie Platters: Arrange them on a vibrant dessert platter with other holiday favorites like gingerbread men, sugar cookies, or chocolate truffles.

Helpful Tips to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Chill Time Matters: Don’t skip the chilling steps. They help the dough maintain its shape while baking.
Roll Evenly: Aim for even thickness while rolling out the dough to ensure uniform baking.
Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts and pretty swirls, use a sharp knife when slicing the dough log.

Variations or Substitutions

If you feel adventurous or have dietary restrictions, consider these variations:

Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Swap a portion of all-purpose flour for unsweetened cocoa powder to create a chocolate version; the pairing with peppermint is heavenly.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities. The texture may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it for up to 3 days or wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I make these cookies softer?
To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking them and make sure to store them in an airtight container right after cooling.

Q: Can I use a different extract instead of peppermint?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, try using almond or orange extract for a unique twist.

Q: What if I don’t have crushed candies?
If crushed peppermint candies or candy canes are not available, you can use large sugar crystals or even sprinkles for decoration.

Nutritional Information

While enjoying these festive peppermint swirl cookies, it’s essential to be mindful of their nutritional content. While exact values may vary, here is a rough estimate per cookie (based on 50 cookies):

Calories: 105
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 1g

Enjoying these cookies as part of your holiday festivities adds a thoughtful touch to your celebrations. They provide a delicious way to spread joy, comfort, and cheer—enjoy every colorfully swirled bite!

Whether you’re baking alone, with family, or as a fun holiday project with kids, these peppermint swirl cookies are sure to create memories—and lots of smiles. Happy baking!