Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies are a festive delight that capture the spirit of the holiday season. These vibrant cookies combine the refreshing flavors of peppermint and vanilla, creating a perfect sweet treat for all your Christmas celebrations. With their eye-catching red and white swirl pattern, they add a cheerful touch to any cookie platter and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Plus, making them is quick and easy, so you can whip up a batch in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
These Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies are not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons why they should be on your holiday baking list:
- Easy to make: This easy peppermint swirl cookie recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive flair: The striking swirl design makes them a standout treat for any holiday gathering.
- Minty freshness: The combination of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes offers a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to make vegan peppermint swirl cookies or even gluten-free peppermint swirl cookies.
- Perfect for gifting: These cookies make delightful edible gifts for friends and family.
- Great for cookie swaps: They’re a unique addition to any holiday cookie exchange.
With just 30 minutes of total prep and bake time, these cookies fit perfectly into your busy holiday schedule. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for the perfect dessert to delight your family, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients for Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup red sanding sugar (for the swirl effect)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until the dough forms.
- Step 2: Once the dough is prepared, divide it into two equal portions. To one portion, add the crushed peppermint candies and mix until the dough is speckled with the peppermint bits. To the other portion, add the red sanding sugar and mix until the dough is a bright red color.
- Step 3: Place each portion of dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll each out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If you want to make fun shapes, use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from each dough. For a traditional swirl effect, stack the two doughs on top of each other and roll them together to form a log.
- Step 4: If you’re making a log of dough, gently roll it up like a jelly roll, then slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you’re making shapes, simply alternate between red dough and white dough to create a swirl pattern. Press the dough lightly to ensure it sticks together.
- Step 5: Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, enjoy your beautifully festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies!
Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- These cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For an added touch, you can dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a delicious twist.
- Use high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
These cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas:
- Pair them with a warm cup of cocoa or peppermint tea for a cozy treat.
- Arrange them on a festive platter with other holiday cookies for a colorful display.
- Use them as a topping for ice cream sundaes for a fun dessert.
How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool completely and store them in an airtight container. They can last up to a week at room temperature. If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up. This makes for a perfect treat to have on hand during the holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies?
The key to perfect peppermint swirl cookies lies in the mixing of the dough and ensuring you don’t overbake them. Keep a close eye on the edges; they should be lightly golden.
Can I make Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making your cookies even more delicious.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, ensure you measure your flour correctly to prevent dry or crumbly cookies.
Variations of Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies You Can Try
If you want to switch things up, consider these variations:
- For a softer texture, try adding an extra egg yolk to the dough.
- Substitute half the flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Try using white chocolate chips mixed into the dough for an added sweetness.
- For a vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs.
For more information about baking, check out our About Me page. You can also read our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle your data. If you have any questions, feel free to visit our Contact Us page.
For tips on baking cookies, you can refer to Food Network’s cookie recipes.
Print
Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies: A Festive Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
How to Make Peppermint Swirl Christmas Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup red sanding sugar (for the swirl effect)
- 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, and continue mixing until everything is well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until the dough forms.
- Once the dough is prepared, divide it into two equal portions. To one portion, add the crushed peppermint candies and mix until the dough is speckled with the peppermint bits. To the other portion, add the red sanding sugar and mix until the dough is a bright red color.
- Place each portion of dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll each out to about 1/4-inch thickness. If you want to make fun shapes, use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes from each dough. For a traditional swirl effect, stack the two doughs on top of each other and roll them together to form a log.
- If you’re making a log of dough, gently roll it up like a jelly roll, then slice the dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you’re making shapes, simply alternate between red dough and white dough to create a swirl pattern. Press the dough lightly to ensure it sticks together.
- Place the cookie rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Once cooled, enjoy your beautifully festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies!
Notes
- These cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg