Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any occasion. With their vibrant colors and refreshing mint flavor, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with family and friends. Their beautiful swirls not only make them visually appealing but also add an exciting taste twist that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The striking red and white swirls make these cookies a stunning addition to your dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create delicious cookies without hassle.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts offers a delightful taste that captures the essence of the holidays.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, gifts, or cozy evenings at home—these cookies fit every occasion.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in rolling and decorating; it’s a great way to create lasting memories during baking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything prepared will streamline the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out dough evenly for perfect layers.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking on baking sheets, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 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

For Coloring and Coating

• Red gel food coloring
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating

How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined into a soft dough. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Divide Dough

Split the dough in half. Leave one half plain. Add red gel food coloring to the second half, mixing until uniformly colored.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle about 10×12 inches thick (about 1/4 inch). Repeat with the red dough.

Step 7: Layer Dough

Carefully place the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle. Gently press them together.

Step 8: Roll into Log

Starting from one long side, tightly roll the layered dough into a log. Press gently as you roll to eliminate air pockets.

Step 9: Chill Again

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap again and chill for at least 2 hours until firm. This helps maintain sharp swirls when slicing.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 11: Prepare Cookies for Baking

Remove chilled log from refrigerator. Optionally brush it lightly with water or whisked egg white before rolling it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place them on prepared baking sheets about an inch apart.

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Take care not to overbake.

Step 14: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your homemade Peppermint Swirl Cookies!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint swirl cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa creates a cozy, festive atmosphere. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags or boxes as sweet party favors for holiday gatherings. It adds a personal touch to your celebration.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the peppermint swirl cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other holiday treats. This visually appealing display will be a hit at any gathering.

With Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert option. The contrast in textures is simply delightful.

At Holiday Get-Togethers

• Bring these cookies to family gatherings or office parties. Their vibrant colors and festive flavors make them an instant favorite among guests.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To make sure your peppermint swirl cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling ensures that it stays firm and easy to handle, resulting in neat swirls.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant colors that won’t dilute the cookie’s flavor, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid dyes.
• Roll Tightly: When forming the log, roll it tightly to prevent air pockets which can disrupt the swirl pattern.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; removing cookies when they are lightly golden helps maintain their soft texture.
• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp knife to slice the log into uniform rounds. This ensures even baking and consistent swirls in each cookie.
• Experiment with Coatings: Try using different toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate sprinkles for added texture and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint swirl cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Cocoa: A classic pairing, rich and creamy hot cocoa perfectly complements the minty flavor of the cookies.
2. Eggnog: This creamy drink with spices adds a rich contrast to the sweetness of peppermint swirl cookies.
3. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cookies with its natural sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or gouda for a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet treats.
5. Spiced Tea: Warm spiced tea enhances the festive spirit while providing a comforting beverage option alongside your cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side dish that complements holiday desserts without overpowering them.
7. Nut Mix: A bowl of spiced or candied nuts brings crunchiness and adds an extra layer of flavor next to your sweet peppermint cookies.
8. Mini Cupcakes: Serve small cupcakes in seasonal flavors like vanilla bean or chocolate to round out your dessert offering beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when it comes to creating perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to sticky dough that’s hard to roll. Always chill your dough as directed for easier handling and sharper swirls.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can cause tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
• Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly cooked cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Cutting cookies too thick: Slicing the log into thick rounds may lead to underbaked centers. Aim for 1/4 inch thickness for even baking.
• Not using parchment paper: Skipping parchment paper can cause cookies to stick. Always line your baking sheets for easy removal and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

Can I use other flavors instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with almond or vanilla extract for different flavor profiles.

How do I get vibrant colors in my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

To achieve vibrant colors, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. Gel colors provide better saturation without changing the dough’s consistency.

What is the best way to store Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the rolled log of dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before slicing and baking.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

In an airtight container, Peppermint Swirl Cookies remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that combines festive flavors with stunning visuals. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different colors and flavors, making them perfect not just for holidays but any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, minty goodness!