Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Cookies for the Holidays

Have you ever tasted a cookie that feels like a holiday party in your mouth? Enter the peppermint swirl cookies. These delightful treats are as vibrant as a festive sweater at an office party and pack a minty punch that will make your taste buds sing. Picture this: soft, chewy cookie dough swirled with vibrant red and green stripes, each bite bursting with the refreshing essence of peppermint. chewy holiday treats The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making you feel like you’re in a cozy winter cabin, sipping hot cocoa by the fire.

Now, let me take you back to my childhood when my grandma would bake these peppermint swirl cookies every Christmas. The whole house smelled like a candy cane factory explosion! I’d sneak into the kitchen (because what kid doesn’t love pilfering cookies?) and watch in awe as she created these masterpieces. Whether it’s Christmas celebrations or just your average Tuesday when you’re in need of some serious comfort food, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Trust me; your family will be begging for more!

Ingredients for peppermint swirl cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cookie dough; use unbleached flour for better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! It helps create that lovely chewy texture we all crave.
• Butter: Room temperature butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and tender crumb.
• Eggs: One egg will bind everything together beautifully while adding moisture.
• Baking Powder: This leavening agent ensures your cookies rise to fluffy perfection.
• Peppermint Extract: Go for pure extract to maximize that delightful minty flavor; it’s essential!
• Red and Green Food Coloring: These will give your cookies their signature festive swirls.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make peppermint swirl cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your trusty baking sheets and line them with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder until combined. Set it aside like it’s your most prized possession while you tackle the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it. You want it to look like fluffy clouds on a summer day.

Step 4: Add Egg and Peppermint

Beat in the egg along with the peppermint extract until well blended. It should smell so good that you might question whether you’ve become a professional baker overnight.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Now comes the fun part—divide the dough into two equal portions.

Step 6: Color Your Dough

Add red food coloring to one portion until you achieve that vibrant hue, then do the same with green food coloring for the other half. Get ready to channel your inner artist!

Finally, take small pieces of each colored dough and roll them together into logs before twisting them into spirals on your prepared sheets. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re just set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Transfer to plates and let those peppermint swirl cookies cool before diving in! Enjoy them with a glass of milk or share them at your next holiday gathering—they’re sure to become everyone’s favorite treat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in the eggs and peppermint extract. Combine dry ingredients separately before gradually adding them to the wet mix. Finally, swirl in the red and green doughs, then scoop onto baking sheets for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out peppermint extract for almond or vanilla if you prefer a different flavor profile. You can also add crushed candy canes or chocolate chips for extra texture. Customize the colors to fit any holiday theme or occasion! For more inspiration, check out this 4-ingredient chocolate waffles recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore that fresh-baked goodness.

When I first made these peppermint swirl cookies, my friend thought I had bought them from a fancy bakery. The look of surprise on her face was priceless—definitely worth every swirl!

FAQs :

What are peppermint swirl cookies?

Peppermint swirl cookies are delightful treats featuring a festive blend of peppermint flavor and colorful swirls. These cookies are typically made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, infused with peppermint extract for that signature taste. The vibrant red and green swirls come from food coloring, making them visually appealing and perfect for holiday gatherings. fudgy pumpkin brownies Often enjoyed during the winter months, these cookies can also be a fun baking project for families looking to celebrate the season together.

How do I store peppermint swirl cookies?

To keep your peppermint swirl cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness and flavor. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. easy microwave fudge When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them into the microwave for a few seconds. This way, you can savor the deliciousness anytime!

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Absolutely! While peppermint is a classic choice for these cookies, you can experiment with other flavors as well. Options like vanilla, almond, or even chocolate can create unique variations of swirl cookies. Simply substitute peppermint extract with your chosen flavor extract. For a twist, try adding different food colorings to match the new flavors you choose. This flexibility allows you to tailor the recipe to your personal taste while still enjoying the fun swirling aspect!

Are there any tips for making perfect peppermint swirl cookies?

For perfect peppermint swirl cookies, start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth dough that blends well. When adding food coloring, use gel-based colors for more vibrant swirls without altering the dough’s consistency too much. spiced cardamom pumpkin roll Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping it; this makes rolling easier and enhances texture. Finally, avoid overbaking; remove them when they look slightly underdone for soft, chewy cookies.

Conclusion for peppermint swirl cookies :

In conclusion, peppermint swirl cookies are a delightful treat that combines festive flavors with an eye-catching appearance. With simple ingredients and easy steps, they make an excellent choice for holiday baking or family gatherings. Remember to store your cookies properly to maintain freshness and consider experimenting with different flavors if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy these colorful delights with loved ones and make lasting memories during the holiday season! For more inspiration, check out this Easter shortbread cookies recipe recipe.

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Peppermint Swirl Cookies

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Delight in the festive spirit with these Peppermint Swirl Cookies! Soft and chewy, these treats are adorned with vibrant red and green swirls, each bite infused with refreshing peppermint flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings by the fire, they will surely brighten any dessert table while satisfying your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp pure peppermint extract
• Red food coloring (to preference)
• Green food coloring (to preference)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder; set aside.
3. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well blended.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined.
6. Divide the dough into two portions; color one with red food coloring and the other with green.
7. Roll small pieces of each colored dough together into logs, twist them into spirals, and place on prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Let cool before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: <1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg