Soft Peppermint Swirl Cookies Everyone Loves

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the type of treat that beautifully embodies the essence of the holiday season. The very moment you step into the kitchen to whip up a batch, a wave of warmth and nostalgia floods over you, rekindling memories of joyful gatherings and festive celebrations. These cookies are not just visually stunning with their vibrant red and white swirls; they are imbued with flavors that evoke comfort and joy. The delightful combination of peppermint and buttery sweetness fills the air with a captivating aroma that instantly enlivens the spirit. Each bite delivers a soft, chewy texture complemented by a light crunch on the exterior, making them utterly irresistible. Peppermint Swirl Cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets Peppermint Swirl Cookies apart from your standard batch of cookies is their enchanting visual appeal combined with their wonderful flavor. Here’s why you’re going to love making—and devouring—these delightful cookies:

• Visual Delight: The striking red and white swirl pattern makes these cookies a showstopper on any dessert platter.
• Festive Flavor: Peppermint isn’t just for candy canes; the extract provides a refreshing twist that brightens the rich buttery base.
• Chewy and Crunchy: The cookies boast a perfectly chewy center with a delicate crisp around the edges, a combination that keeps you coming back for more.
• Fun to Make: The swirling process is therapeutic and creative, making it an enjoyable experience to get your hands doughy.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are ideal for gifting during the holidays or sharing with friends, bringing a little extra cheer into their lives.

How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies is a delightful process that brings together simple ingredients and methods to create something truly magical. Let’s walk through it step by step, and I promise, it’s easier than it looks!

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

The beauty of these ingredients lies in their simplicity and effect. The all-purpose flour serves as the backbone for our cookie dough, providing structure. Baking powder adds a little lift to ensure a nice, soft texture. A hint of salt enhances the sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. The unsalted butter is key to achieving a creamy, rich taste, so trust me, don’t skimp on this. Granulated sugar sweetens the deal, while an egg acts as a binder, bringing all the ingredients together. The combination of vanilla and peppermint extracts is what gives these cookies their signature festive flavor, creating a comforting aroma that wafts through your kitchen. Finally, red gel food coloring and coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies help create those beautiful swirls and a lovely finish.

Directions

To kick off your cookie-making journey, first, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re well combined; then set this aside.

Next, in a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial since it helps to incorporate air into your mixture. When it’s nice and airy—think cloud-like—you can go ahead and beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla and peppermint extracts until fully integrated.

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Don’t overmix this; you want a soft dough that’s not too sticky.

Once your dough is ready, divide it in half. Leave one half plain—after all, we want those swirls—and take the other half and add red gel food coloring. Mix well until the color is uniform. You might notice this part being particularly exciting, as the dough transforms into a vibrant red.

Here’s a little trick for achieving those perfect swirls: wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it less sticky and much easier to handle without colors bleeding into each other.

Once chilled, take your plain dough and roll it on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 10×12 inches and 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this with your red dough. Now, very carefully layer the red dough directly on top of the plain one, gently pressing them together.

Starting from one long side, roll the layered dough tightly into a log, pressing gently as you go to eliminate any air pockets. An even, tight roll is key for those stunning swirls!

After you’ve rolled up your dough log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap once more and chill it again in the refrigerator. This time, you’ll want to let it sit for at least 2 hours or until very firm.

While you wait, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

When your dough is ready, remove it from the refrigerator. If you like, give the log a light brush with water or a whisked egg white and roll it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a delightful finish.

Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden—this is the moment you’ll wish you had smell-o-vision!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few moments before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Take a moment to admire the beautiful swirls before indulging in one (or two!).

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are best enjoyed when they’re fresh and fragrant, and they serve beautifully during any festive occasion. Picture them arranged on a colorful platter, perfect for your holiday gatherings or cookie exchanges. They’re equally delightful paired with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a cup of coffee, the contrast of the cool peppermint melting with warm beverages is simply divine.

For a fun twist, you can stack a few cookies and tie them together with a festive ribbon for a charming gift. Their vibrant colors and unique swirls make them not just a sweet treat, but a captivating decoration as well.

How to Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies

If you find yourself with leftover Peppermint Swirl Cookies (though I doubt that!), storing them properly is key to maintaining their freshness. A simple trick is to place them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can also freeze them! Just ensure they are well-wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a suitable freezer bag—they can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie, simply thaw it at room temperature or pop it into a preheated oven for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crisp edge. A quick warm-up in the microwave works too if you’re looking for something more immediate!

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To ensure your Peppermint Swirl Cookies turn out as amazing as possible, consider these helpful tips from my own baking experiences:

• Chill the Dough: It might be tempting to skip the chilling steps, but trust me, it makes a significant difference in handling the dough and achieving those beautiful swirls.
• Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, which we want to avoid.
• Be Precise with Colors: Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the dough’s consistency. Liquid dye can make the dough too fluid.
• Keep Uniform Sizes: Slice the cookies into even thicknesses to ensure they bake consistently. Uneven slices will lead to some cookies being over-baked and others under-baked.

Variations

There are countless ways to create variations on these delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Peppermint Swirls: Add cocoa powder to one half of the dough for a rich chocolate version that pairs beautifully with peppermint.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make your Peppermint Swirl Cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Different Extracts: Instead of peppermint, try orange or almond extract for a totally unique flavor profile, especially lovely around the holidays.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just be sure to wrap it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?
The best way is in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They freeze well too, so you can always have them on hand!

Can I use a different kind of candy for coating?
Yes! Feel free to get creative by using crushed chocolate cookies, toffee bits, or even a mix of different colored sugars for a festive touch.

What should I do if my dough feels too sticky after chilling?
If your dough feels sticky, it might need a little extra flour during rolling. Just sprinkle a bit on your surface and your rolling pin, and it should be fine!

Conclusion

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies is an inviting experience that fills your home with the spirit of the season and creates delightful memories with every batch. Whether for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying with loved ones, these cookies are not just treats—they are a warm embrace of comfort, sweetness, and joy. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the swirling process, and add this recipe to your baking arsenal. If you love these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, save this recipe for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too! Happy baking!