Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that bring a festive touch to any occasion. These cookies combine the refreshing taste of peppermint with a visually stunning swirl design, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying at home. With their vibrant colors and sweet flavor, Peppermint Swirl Cookies are sure to impress family and friends, showcasing your baking skills while delivering a delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: The striking red and white swirls make these cookies an eye-catching addition to your holiday dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these delightful treats.
• Versatile Flavor: The peppermint extract offers a unique flavor that pairs well with coffee or hot chocolate, making them perfect for winter gatherings.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love.
• Family-Friendly Activity: Making these cookies is a fun project for kids, allowing them to get creative with the swirling process!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar for light, fluffy dough.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for chilling the dough, helping maintain its shape during slicing.
• Sharp knife: Provides clean cuts for perfectly shaped cookies that showcase their beautiful swirls.

Ingredients

For the Cookie 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 the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you’ll add it to the wet ingredients later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix as you want a soft dough.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

Divide your dough in half. Leave one half plain while adding red gel food coloring to the second half. Mix until you achieve a uniform color.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough for easier handling without bleeding colors.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each half of dough into rectangles (10×12 inches) that are about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Layer the Dough

Carefully lay the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle. Press gently together so they adhere well.

Step 8: Roll Into a Log

Starting from one long side, carefully roll up your layered dough tightly into a log while pressing gently to remove air pockets. Ensure it’s tight but not too tight that it may crack.

Step 9: Chill Again

Wrap your log tightly in plastic wrap once more and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until very firm.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 11: Coat Your Log

Remove chilled log from refrigerator. Brush lightly with water or whisked egg white if desired, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Using your sharp knife, slice into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Place sliced cookies on lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

Step 13: Bake Them

Bake cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them!

Step 14: Cool Down

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely.

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only fun to make but also deliciously festive! Enjoy sharing them during celebrations or keeping them all for yourself!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance your cookie experience.

With Hot Chocolate

• Pair your cookies with a rich cup of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert combination that’s perfect for cold days.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter alongside other festive treats like brownies and fudge for an eye-catching holiday spread.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.

In Gift Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or tins tied with ribbons. They make wonderful gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.

As Part of a Cookie Exchange

• Bring them to a cookie exchange party. Their vibrant colors and unique flavor will surely impress fellow bakers.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Achieving the perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you bake them flawlessly.

• Chill the Dough: Ensure you chill both the individual dough halves and the rolled log. This step is crucial for maintaining sharp swirls.

• Use Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency.

• Tightly Roll the Log: When rolling the dough, apply even pressure to keep it tight. This prevents gaps that can disrupt your swirls.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly golden around the edges for optimal texture.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Hot Chocolate: A classic pairing, rich hot chocolate adds warmth and sweetness that pairs beautifully with these cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing out sweetness with natural acidity.

3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese; their creamy texture complements the crunch of the cookies wonderfully.

4. Spiced Nuts: A mix of spiced nuts provides a savory crunch that enhances the overall flavor profile when enjoyed alongside sweet cookies.

5. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea brings out the peppermint flavor while providing a comforting drink option.

6. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries; this dish offers freshness and lightness, making it an ideal accompaniment to sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can hinder your results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much in the oven. Always chill the dough as instructed for perfect swirls.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the outcome. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Cutting uneven slices: Irregular slices will bake unevenly. Use a sharp knife and ensure each slice is about 1/4 inch thick for consistent baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on medium power. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Can I use other extracts instead of peppermint?

Yes! You can substitute with almond or vanilla extract for different flavors.

How do I achieve perfect swirls?

To get sharp swirls, chill your dough well and roll it tightly into a log before slicing.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If you find your dough excessively sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.

Can I add chocolate chips to peppermint swirl cookies?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can create a delicious contrast with the peppermint flavor.

How long do these cookies last?

When stored properly, Peppermint Swirl Cookies can last up to one week at room temperature or longer if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding festive sprinkles or using different food colorings. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful treats!