Name: Irresistibly Soft Peppermint Swirl Cookies for Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (For gluten-free, use a blend with xanthan gum.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Acts as a leavening agent.); 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Softened for easy creaming.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Creates a fluffy texture.); 1 large Egg (Binds ingredients.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds warmth.); 0.5 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Gives the signature mint flavor.); 1 drop Red Gel Food Coloring (Provides vibrant color.); 0.5 cups Coarse Sugar or Crushed Peppermint Candies

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As I stood in my kitchen, the air filled with a refreshing minty aroma, I couldn’t help but smile at the vibrant colors swirling in front of me. These Bakery-Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies not only look stunning but also bring a delightful holiday spirit to any gathering. This recipe is a game-changer thanks to its strategic double-chilling method, which ensures those beautiful red and white spirals remain distinct and stunning while keeping the cookies soft and tender. Plus, they come together quickly, making them the perfect treat for busy bakers looking to impress. Ready to transform your cookie game this festive season? Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why Choose Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Visual Appeal: These cookies stun with their vibrant swirls, making your holiday dessert table pop with festive colors.

Strategic Method: The double-chilling technique not only helps maintain those stunning swirls but also yields cookies that are soft and tender—no more dry holiday treats!

Quick & Easy: Despite their bakery-worthy appearance, the process is simple, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time, perfect for busy bakers.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The cool minty taste combined with a sugary crunch evokes the essence of the holidays, ensuring they’ll disappear quickly at gatherings.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up the flavor! Add a twist with almond extract or a hint of orange zest to delight your guests.

Pair them with a cozy cup of hot cocoa and enjoy the festive vibes! These delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies are bound to become a seasonal favorite.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; for gluten-free, use a blend with xanthan gum.
• Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a delicate lift.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – Contributes to a tender crumb; make sure it’s softened for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and creates a fluffy texture.
• Large Egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth, complementing the cool peppermint flavor.
• Peppermint Extract – This key ingredient gives that signature festive mint flavor.
• Red Gel Food Coloring – Provides vibrant color without adding moisture to the dough.

For Coating
• Coarse Sugar or Crushed Peppermint Candies – Adds a crunchy texture and a festive touch!

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect holiday treat to make and share with loved ones!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until evenly combined. This step is crucial as it ensures the leavening agent is distributed evenly throughout the flour, promoting a light texture in your Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Set aside your dry mixture while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Continue beating for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy with a pale yellow color. This step creates air pockets within the butter, providing a tender crumb for your cookies.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in 1 large egg until fully incorporated, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix for another minute until smooth. The combination of these ingredients will create a rich and flavorful base for your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, enhancing their festive minty flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture on low speed, just until combined—about 1-2 minutes. Do not overmix; the dough should come together without any dry flour visible. This careful mixing ensures that your cookie dough remains tender, resulting in perfectly soft Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Step 5: Divide and Color the Dough
Divide the dough in half and transfer one half to a separate bowl. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring to this portion, mixing thoroughly until the color is even. Your goal is a vibrant red dough that contrasts beautifully with the white dough, ensuring those iconic swirls in your Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Wrap both halves of the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential, as it firms up the dough and helps the colors remain distinct during baking, allowing you to achieve those gorgeous swirls that are visually pleasing.

Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out each portion of dough on a lightly floured surface into equal rectangles measuring about 10×12 inches and ¼-inch thick. Keep an eye on the thickness to ensure uniformity; this will influence the final texture of your Peppermint Swirl Cookies and help create the perfect swirl effect later on.

Step 8: Stack and Roll the Dough
Carefully stack the red dough on top of the plain dough, pressing gently to adhere. Starting from one edge, roll the stacked dough tightly into a log shape. This rolling technique is pivotal for creating those beautiful swirls that will make your cookies truly special and festive.

Step 9: Chill the Rolled Log
Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This extra chilling time helps ensure that your log retains its shape when sliced, which is crucial for achieving perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies with those striking, defined edges.

Step 10: Prepare to Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making for a clean removal. Your kitchen will already begin to smell festive as you prepare for the baking step.

Step 11: Slice and Bake
Once chilled, carefully slice the log into ¼-inch rounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Stay close and watch for light browning to avoid overbaking, maintaining the tender and soft texture of your Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Step 12: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The final cooling step is essential, ensuring your Peppermint Swirl Cookies are crisp on the outside while remaining wonderfully soft inside, ready to be shared or enjoyed.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative and personalize these holiday cookies to your taste—your baking adventure awaits!

Almond Twist: Replace peppermint extract with almond extract for a sweet, nutty flavor that still feels festive.
Citrusy Addition: Stir in some orange zest to the dough for a refreshing, vibrant twist that complements the mint beautifully.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled cookies for an indulgent finish that satisfies every sweet tooth.
Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and stretchy sweetness with each bite. It’s a delightful surprise!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the dough for a surprising warm heat that balances the cool mint flavor.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.
Seasoned Sugar: Use peppermint sugar or crushed candy canes instead of regular sugar for rolling the cookies, enhancing that festive crunch.
Different Sizes: Change the thickness and size of your cookie rounds for variety; larger cookies create a soft, chewy center, while smaller ones offer a crisp texture.

With these ideas, your Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be a delightful surprise at any holiday gathering. Enjoy experimenting while you whip up these delectable treats—and if you’re looking to mix things up even more, try pairing them with some hot cocoa or serving them alongside some festive Gingerbread Men Cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare and chill the dough up to 24 hours in advance—just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. If you want to go even further, the unbaked, sliced cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake directly from the freezer for a few extra minutes, ensuring they taste just as delicious as fresh. This thoughtful prep will have you enjoying bakery-quality cookies with minimal effort, making your holiday gatherings even sweeter!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. Adding a slice of bread helps to maintain moisture and keep them soft.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrapped cookies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Ensure they are in an airtight container or wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Raw Dough: If you want to prepare in advance, the unsliced dough log can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just wrap it well and when ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge before slicing.

Reheating: To enjoy leftover cookies warm, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or place in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

What to Serve with Bakery-Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Indulge in a delightful festive experience as you pair these vibrant, minty treats with equally charming accompaniments.

Hot Cocoa: Perfect for winter, this rich, creamy drink contrasts beautifully with the cool mint flavor of the cookies while enhancing the festive spirit.
Peppermint Tea: The warm, soothing notes of peppermint tea harmonize with the cookie’s flavor, creating a cozy pairing for a chilly evening.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside the cookies, allowing the creamy vanilla to balance the minty crispness for an indulgent dessert experience.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing side of mixed fruits brings a burst of color and natural sweetness, cutting through the richness of the cookies perfectly.
Cheeseboard: Pair with a selection of soft cheeses like brie and a touch of cranberry; the sweet and savory elements will elevate your cookie platter.

Enjoy these delicious combinations to transform a simple treat into a festive gathering delight!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Butter Softening: Ensure your butter is softened adequately at room temperature; this is crucial for creating a light, fluffy dough without lumps.

• Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until combined to maintain tenderness. Overmixing can result in tough Peppermint Swirl Cookies, diminishing their delightful texture.

• Chill Time Matters: Strictly follow chilling times for both doughs. Proper chilling helps prevent color bleeding and ensures distinct swirls that are visually appealing.

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to cut the rolled dough into neat rounds. A clean cut preserves the beautiful swirls, making your cookies look more professional.

• Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on baking time and remove cookies when they are lightly golden; overbaking can lead to dryness, ruining the soft texture you desire.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is fully softened to room temperature (approximately 65°F or 18°C) for easy creaming. This helps in achieving that light, fluffy texture. Also, use the freshest eggs possible, as they add essential moisture and binding properties to your cookie dough.

What’s the best way to store Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
You’ll love this tip! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days. For added freshness, include a slice of bread in the container. This little trick helps maintain moisture, keeping your cookies soft and delicious longer!

Can you freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze baked cookies for up to 1 month. Make sure they are fully cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. For the best taste, try to thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying. If you want to freeze the raw dough, simply wrap the unsliced log in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, let the log thaw in the refrigerator before slicing.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Very good question! If your dough feels sticky, it may need a bit more flour. Start by adding 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time until you achieve a workable consistency that doesn’t stick to your fingers. Alternatively, you can chill the dough for a bit longer; this often helps firm it up and makes rolling easier!

Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep these cookies away from your furry friends! The peppermint extract and sugar found in these cookies aren’t ideal for pets. Always opt for pet-safe treats to ensure their health and happiness.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, indeed! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help to mimic the texture and structure of traditional dough, ensuring your Peppermint Swirl Cookies are just as delightful while being suitable for those with gluten sensitivities!