Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or any occasion that calls for something sweet. These cookies stand out with their vibrant colors and refreshing peppermint flavor, making them not just a dessert but also a festive decoration on any table. With easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch that will impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appeal: The striking red and white swirls make these cookies a visual delight for any celebration.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these tasty treats.
• Versatile Flavor: The peppermint flavor pairs well with various occasions, from special occasion parties to summer picnics.
• Customizable Coating: Roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for an extra crunch and sweetness.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them beautifully to share your love of baking with friends and family during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness for rolling out cookie dough, crucial for maintaining defined swirls.
• Plastic wrap: Essential for chilling the dough without sticking, which helps keep the colors from bleeding together.

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 Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.

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. Once combined, beat in the egg followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined into a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Color the Dough

Divide the dough in half. Keep one half plain while adding red gel food coloring to the other half. Mix until you achieve uniform color throughout.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

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

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out both halves of dough into rectangles measuring about 10×12 inches and approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Layer Doughs Together

Place the red dough rectangle directly on top of the plain dough rectangle. Gently press them together to adhere.

Step 8: Roll into Log Shape

Starting from one long side, carefully roll both layers tightly into a log. Press gently as you roll to eliminate air pockets while ensuring tightness to maintain swirl definition.

Step 9: Chill Again

Wrap the formed log tightly in plastic wrap once more. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until very firm; this prevents squishing when slicing.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

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

Step 11: Coat the Log

Remove chilled dough log from refrigeration. 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. Arrange slices about an inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 13: Bake

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking for best results.

Step 14: Cool Down

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for several 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 not only delightful on their own but can also be served in various creative ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – The rich taste of coffee pairs well with the sweet and minty flavor of the cookies.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate creates a cozy treat for chilly days.
• Tea – A soothing herbal or peppermint tea complements the cookies perfectly, making for a refreshing afternoon snack.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies – Combine your peppermint swirl cookies with other festive cookies for an appealing dessert spread.
• Brownies and Bars – Pair them with fudgy brownies or lemon bars for a mix of textures and flavors.
• Fruits – Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries add a vibrant touch to your dessert platter.

Gift-Worthy Packaging

• Cookie Jars – Pack the cookies in decorative jars for a charming gift idea during the holiday season.
• Cellophane Bags – Individually wrap the cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons for easy gifting.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, consider these simple tips that can elevate your baking game.

• Bold chilling times – Chilling the dough twice helps maintain the shape and enhances the swirls.
• Bold use quality extracts – Opt for high-quality vanilla and peppermint extracts for richer flavor.
• Bold don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
• Bold uniform slices – Use a sharp knife and try to slice uniformly for even baking and presentation.
• Bold watch the edges – Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking; you want lightly golden edges.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Peppermint Swirl Cookies can create a more enjoyable experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, which contrast nicely with sweet treats.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt, granola, and berries make a light companion that beautifully offsets rich flavors.
4. Ice Cream Sundae – Vanilla or mint ice cream topped with chocolate sauce complements the cookies perfectly.
5. Nut Mixes – A selection of roasted nuts provides crunch and savory balance alongside sweet cookies.
6. Chocolate Dipping Sauce – Melted chocolate serves as a fun dip, adding an indulgent twist to your cookie experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, it’s easy to make a few missteps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Using warm butter: Always ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Warm butter can lead to overly greasy cookies that spread too much during baking.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the dough. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the beautiful swirls intact.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for flour and sugar. Too much flour can dry out your cookies, while too little will affect texture.
• Baking on unprepared sheets: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve the best swirl effect in Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

To get sharp swirls, ensure that both doughs are chilled before rolling them together. This prevents colors from bleeding during baking.

Can I use different extracts for flavoring?

Absolutely! While peppermint is traditional, you can experiment with other flavors like almond or orange extract for unique variations.

What can I use instead of red gel food coloring?

You can substitute with natural colorings like beet juice or leave one dough plain for a classic look without added colors.

How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these delightful cookies without gluten.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously festive. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors or colors according to your preferences. Enjoy these delightful treats during the holidays or any time you crave something sweet!