Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive cheer to any occasion. Their vibrant red and white swirls not only look stunning on a dessert platter but also offer a refreshing peppermint flavor that is perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make, making them a wonderful project for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a sweet gift, these cookies will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The bright red and white swirls create a beautiful presentation that will catch everyone’s eye.
• Festive Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal forspecial occasion parties, cookie exchanges, or just as a delightful dessert at home.
• Great for Gifting: Pack these cookies in decorative boxes or tins for sweet gifts during the holiday season.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results when baking Peppermint Swirl Cookies, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or electric mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or electric mixer: Helps combine ingredients efficiently to create a light and fluffy dough.
• Plastic wrap: Keeps dough fresh while chilling, preventing it from drying out.
• Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness when rolling out the dough, crucial for consistent 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 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 the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Divide Dough for Coloring

Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain. To the second half, add red gel food coloring until uniform in color.

Step 5: Chill Dough Balls

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 each dough ball into a rectangle (10×12 inches) about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Layer Doughs Together

Carefully lay the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle. Press gently to adhere them together.

Step 8: Roll into Log Shape

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

Step 9: Second Chill for Firmness

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

Step 10: Preheat Oven

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

Step 11: Coat Dough Log

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

Step 12: Slice Cookies

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

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking!

Step 14: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on baking sheets briefly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies! Perfectly festive treats that will make any gathering special!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies can elevate any festive occasion. Their vibrant colors and delightful peppermint flavor make them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat for any celebration.

With Hot Chocolate

• Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy pairing that enhances their peppermint flavor.

As Party Favors

• Individually wrap the cookies in clear cellophane tied with a festive ribbon. They make charming party favors for guests to take home.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a colorful dessert platter with other treats like brownies or themed cupcakes to create an eye-catching dessert table.

With Ice Cream

• Sandwich two peppermint swirl cookies around a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream for a delicious twist on the classic ice cream sandwich.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Place them on your holiday dessert table as a standout treat that will impress your guests and spark conversation.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To achieve the ultimate Peppermint Swirl Cookies, attention to detail is key. Follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough helps maintain its shape during baking, ensuring those beautiful swirls stay intact.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butter and pure extracts will enhance the flavor and richness of your cookies.
• Roll Evenly: Ensure both doughs are rolled out to the same thickness for uniform baking and stunning swirls.
• Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should be lightly golden around the edges but soft in the center.
• Experiment with Coatings: Try using different toppings like crushed candy canes or colored sugars for added texture and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their festive flavors. Consider these delightful options to serve alongside your cookies.

1. Chocolate Fondue: A rich chocolate fondue creates an interactive dessert experience. Guests can dip cookie halves into melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
2. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cookies, providing a colorful contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can offer a savory counterpoint to the sweet peppermint treats, making it an interesting pairing.
4. Coffee or Tea: Brewed coffee or flavored teas enhance the peppermint flavor while providing warmth and comfort.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes add elegance and richness, making your dessert spread more varied and appealing.
6. Nut Mixes: A bowl of assorted nuts adds crunch and saltiness, which contrasts nicely with the sweet cookie flavors.
7. Marshmallow Treats: Chewy marshmallow rice treats provide a fun texture that complements the crispness of peppermint swirl cookies.
8. Biscotti: Offer a few varieties of biscotti alongside your cookies for added crunch and different flavors that pair well with coffee or tea.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can affect the final product. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for firming it up. This prevents colors from bleeding and helps maintain the shape of the cookies when baking.
• Overmixing the dough: While mixing is important, overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and tender.
• Incorrectly measuring flour: Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing cookies to cool before transferring them helps maintain their shape. If they are too warm, they may break apart.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry edges; aim for lightly golden edges for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

Can I use different extracts besides peppermint?

Yes! You can experiment with other extracts such as vanilla or almond for unique flavors.

How do I achieve sharper swirls in my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Chill the dough before rolling it out and ensure you roll tightly without air pockets.

How long will Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to one week at room temperature or three months in the freezer.

Can I use food coloring alternatives?

Absolutely! Natural food colorings or powders made from fruits and vegetables can be excellent substitutes.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning but also delightfully tasty, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and colors, ensuring every batch feels personal and special. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these festive treats!