Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked cookies drifting through the kitchen. It beckons family and friends, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning with their festive red and white swirls, but they also pack a delightful punch of minty goodness in each bite. These cookies are perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or just a sweet treat on a chilly afternoon.
Baking these cookies is an experience! Picture yourself rolling out dough, adding vibrant colors, and creating something beautiful to enjoy together. The simple joy of making these with loved ones can turn a regular day into a cherished memory. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a cookie that combines the dreamy flavors of peppermint and buttery dough?
how to make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Making peppermint swirl cookies might seem like a task left for fancy bakers, but it’s much easier than you think. Just follow along, and you’ll find that each step brings you closer to cookie bliss. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive into the wonderful world of baking!
Ingredients
- 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
- Red gel food coloring
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
Directions
-
Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step ensures that your cookies will have the perfect texture when they bake. Set the bowl aside.
-
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes. If you can’t resist tasting the sweetness, go ahead! Next, beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract. Mix until everything is just combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
-
Divide and Color: Now, let’s divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain, and for the fun part, tint the second half with red food coloring. This is where the magic happens! Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time will help the cookies hold their shape.
-
Roll the Dough: Grab your rolling pin for the next step! On a floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a 10×12-inch rectangle. Repeat this process with the red dough. Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough, then roll them tightly into a log. Wrap this log in plastic wrap and chill it again, this time for at least 2 hours.
-
Bake the Cookies: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, so the cookies don’t stick.
-
Prepare for Coating: Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator. Before slicing, you can brush the log lightly with water or egg white and roll it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies. This adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the cookies.
-
Slice and Bake: Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the sweet aroma of peppermint.
-
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. The anticipation is half the fun!
how to serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies
These cookies shine brightly during the holiday season, but don’t limit them to just special occasions! Serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or rich coffee. Imagine the joy on your friends’ faces as they bite into these festive treats.
For brunch gatherings, arrange a platter of these cookies with fresh fruits and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They make a delightful addition to any spread. You could even package them up in cellophane bags tied with pretty ribbons for friendly gifts.
how to store Peppermint Swirl Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can certainly be stored to keep that peppermint magic alive! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re making them ahead of time, consider freezing them. Just be sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. When you are ready, let them thaw at room temperature, and you’ll have a taste of the holidays ready to go!
tips to make Peppermint Swirl Cookies
-
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Cold butter can make it hard to achieve that fluffy texture we desire.
-
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial! It allows your cookies to hold their beautiful shapes and enhances the flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you could chill the dough in the freezer for about 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid freezing!
-
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep a watchful eye on your cookies as they bake. Everyone loves a cookie that’s perfectly soft and chewy, not overbaked.
variation (if any)
If peppermint isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for other extracts! Almond or vanilla extract can give a lovely flavor twist. You might even try a touch of orange zest for a citrusy bright note. The red color could also be replaced with green for a fresh twist or even a mix of colors for a fun, rainbow cookie.
Pro Tips for Success
-
Invest in Quality Butter: Using high-quality unsalted butter will elevate your cookie flavor. Fresh butter truly makes a difference!
-
Gel Food Coloring: For the red coloring, using gel food coloring instead of liquid will give you a vibrant hue without adding extra moisture to your dough. Just a drop or two will do!
-
Experiment with Shapes: Don’t feel confined to circles! You can cut the log into different shapes, like stars or hearts, to add a playful touch. It’s all about embracing your creativity while baking!
Serving Ideas
-
Cookie Bar: Create a cookie bar at your next gathering with your peppermint swirl cookies as the star. Add marshmallows, chocolate chips, and various sprinkles for delicious combinations.
-
Cookie Sandwiches: Try making cookie sandwiches with peppermint frosting in the middle. This can turn your already enchanting cookie into a magical treat that everyone will love.
-
Gourmet Gift Baskets: Create personalized gift baskets with these cookies, homemade jams, and some festive teas or coffees. Each bite will remind your loved ones of your thoughtfulness.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different type of extract?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with other flavors like almond or vanilla. -
What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?
You can use any liquid food coloring, but keep in mind it may alter the dough’s texture slightly. A small amount of beet juice can work too for a natural option! -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour works great for these cookies! -
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! You can freeze the dough log before slicing. Just wrap it tightly and when you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge before slicing.
Quick Recap
Baking peppermint swirl cookies isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about creating connections and memories in your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying them on a quiet night in, each cookie tells a story of love and joy. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful process. Bake this weekend, and you’ll be glad you did!
Peppermint Swirl Cookies
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Coloring and Coating
- Red gel food coloring
- 0.25 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the bowl aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Coloring and Chilling
- Divide the dough in half, keeping one half plain and tinting the second half with red food coloring.
- Wrap each half in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Rolling and Shaping
- On a floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a 10x12-inch rectangle. Repeat with the red dough.
- Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough and roll tightly into a log. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Remove the chilled dough log and brush lightly with water or egg white, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
- Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden.
Cooling
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.