Introduction
Get ready to embrace the festive spirit with these delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies! Each bite combines the rich, buttery goodness of a classic cookie with the refreshing flavor of peppermint, making them the perfect treat for holiday gatherings. The vibrant swirls of red and green not only make these cookies a feast for the palate but also for the eyes. Baking a batch of these cookies will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma that will have everyone buzzing with anticipation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, creating a perfect canvas for your colorful cookies.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in the egg and the vanilla extract, mixing until everything is beautifully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamy butter mixture, stirring until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. To one half, stir in the peppermint extract and a few drops of red gel food coloring, kneading until the color is evenly distributed. In the other half, mix in the green gel food coloring.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each colored dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
- Layer the red and green dough on top of each other, then gently roll them together to form a log, creating a beautiful swirl effect. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough.
- Once chilled, slice the log into ¼-inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets, giving them a little space to spread.
- Sprinkle the tops of each cookie with crushed peppermint candies for that extra crunch and festive touch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
For a fun twist, you can add a drizzle of white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra layer of sweetness. Be sure to store any leftover cookies in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for several days.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe employs simple yet effective techniques, such as creaming and rolling. Creaming the butter and sugar together creates a light texture crucial for cookies. Chilling the dough not only firms it up for easier slicing but also enhances the flavors while preventing spreading during baking. Rolling the dough into a log allows for those beautiful swirls and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can freeze the log of dough before slicing. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.
- What can I use if I don’t have gel food coloring? Liquid food coloring can work in a pinch, but it may affect the dough’s consistency. If using liquid, add it sparingly.
- How do I store leftover cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain delicious for up to a week!
Conclusion
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they are a celebration of flavors and colors, perfect for sharing with family and friends. They embody the spirit of the season, offering joy and warmth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking and enjoy the magic of the season!