Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for the holiday season or any festive occasion. These cookies not only look stunning with their vibrant red and white swirls but also offer a refreshing peppermint flavor that is sure to impress your guests. Easy to prepare and fun to make, they are an excellent addition to cookie platters or as gifts for loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visual Appeal: The striking red and white swirls make these cookies a centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Refreshing Flavor: With the perfect balance of sweetness and peppermint, they deliver a delightful taste in every bite.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s celebrations, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
• Fun to Make: Rolling and swirling the dough adds an enjoyable element to baking that kids and adults will love.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them in festive boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start creating your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the creaming process of butter and sugar, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Rolling pin: Helps you achieve an even thickness when rolling out the dough, vital for perfect swirls.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing the log of dough, keeping your cookie shapes intact.

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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 aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in the egg until well incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
– Mix on low speed until just combined.
– Stop mixing once a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Divide Dough

Divide the dough in half:
– Leave one half plain.
– Add red gel food coloring to the second half, mixing until color is uniform.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap:
– Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This firms up the dough for easier handling.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

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

Step 7: Layer Dough

Carefully lay the red dough rectangle on top of the plain rectangle:
– Press gently together to ensure they adhere.

Step 8: Roll into Log

Starting from one long side:
– Roll tightly into a log while pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
– Ensure consistency throughout to maintain swirl definition.

Step 9: Chill Again

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap:
– Chill again 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: Prepare Dough Log

Remove chilled log from refrigerator:
– Brush lightly with water or whisked egg white if desired.
– Roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat evenly.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

Using a sharp knife:
– Slice log into rounds (1/4 inch thick).
– Place sliced cookies about 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes:
– Watch for edges turning lightly golden; do not overbake.

Step 14: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for several minutes:
– Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies can elevate any gathering, especially during the holiday season. Their vibrant colors and delightful peppermint flavor make them a festive treat. Here are some creative ways to serve these cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday treats. This adds visual appeal and variety for your guests.

With Hot Cocoa

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa. The chocolate complements the peppermint beautifully, creating a cozy experience.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons. This makes for charming party favors that guests will love to take home.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring a batch to a cookie exchange event. Their unique swirls and flavors will surely impress fellow bakers and cookie lovers alike.

With Ice Cream

• Serve alongside scoops of vanilla or mint ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

To ensure your Peppermint Swirl Cookies turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. They will help you achieve stunning swirls and delicious flavors every time.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill your dough thoroughly before slicing it. This step helps maintain the shape and keeps the colors distinct.

• Use Quality Extracts: Invest in high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor. A pure extract enhances the overall taste of the cookies.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft ones.

• Roll Evenly: Roll both doughs to the same thickness for uniform baking. This ensures that each cookie bakes evenly and has consistent swirls.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their festive appeal. Consider serving these options alongside your cookies for a delightful spread.

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy drink that pairs perfectly with the refreshing minty flavor of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the cookies with fresh, juicy fruits.

3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda to offer a savory contrast against the sweet cookies.

4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with spices provide crunch and depth, making them an excellent pairing with your treats.

5. Gingerbread Men: These classic holiday cookies complement the peppermint flavor while adding another fun shape to your dessert table.

6. Eggnog: For those looking for a festive beverage, eggnog offers a creamy, spiced drink that matches well with holiday cookies.

7. Fruit-Infused Water: Refreshing water infused with slices of citrus or berries keeps guests hydrated while enhancing their experience with delightful flavors.

8. Mini Fruit Tarts: These sweet bites add an elegant touch and offer a variety of flavors that pair nicely with peppermint cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

• Insufficient Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough long enough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough separately and as a log for the recommended time.

• Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can make your cookies tough rather than soft and tender. Mix just until combined to maintain the right texture.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Baking directly on the sheet can cause sticking and uneven baking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and consistent baking.

• Inconsistent Thickness: Rolling out dough unevenly will result in cookies that bake at different rates. Ensure both layers of dough are rolled out to the same thickness for uniform baking.

• Not Using a Sharp Knife: A dull knife can squish the dough when slicing, ruining the swirl effect. Use a sharp knife to achieve clean cuts for beautiful cookies.

• Ignoring Baking Times: Overbaking will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes until the edges turn lightly golden.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat one cookie on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating which can make them tough.

• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place cookies in and warm them for a minute or two, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequent queries regarding Peppermint Swirl Cookies that may help you perfect this delightful treat.

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

To get sharp swirls, ensure that both layers of dough are chilled completely before rolling them together tightly into a log.

Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?

Yes! You can experiment with different flavors like almond or vanilla extract to create unique variations of these cookies.

How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will remain fresh up to 1 week in the refrigerator or 3 months if frozen.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips can enhance flavor and texture while still keeping the peppermint essence intact.

Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies suitable for holiday gifting?

Definitely! Their festive appearance makes them an ideal choice for holiday treats or gifts for friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors and vibrant colors, making them perfect for any festive occasion. Their versatility allows you to experiment with various extracts or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these charming treats!