Peppermint Swirl Cookies

The Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any festive occasion. Their vibrant colors and refreshing mint flavor make them a standout choice for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging your sweet tooth. These cookies combine the classic flavors of peppermint with a fun swirl design, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up these cookies with ease.
• Festive Appeal: The striking red and white swirls add a festive touch, making them ideal for celebrations.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of vanilla and peppermint creates a perfect balance that pleases all palates.
• Perfect for Gifting: Packaged beautifully, these cookies make wonderful homemade gifts during the holiday season.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones in the swirling and decorating process for a fun family activity.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy dough quickly, saving you time and effort.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly, ensuring consistent cookie thickness for even baking.
• Sharp knife: A good knife is crucial for slicing the dough log into perfect rounds without squishing the swirls.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

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 followed by the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Divide Dough

Divide the dough into two halves. Leave one half plain while adding red gel food coloring to the second half. Mix until color is uniform.

Step 5: Chill Dough Balls

Wrap each dough half separately in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and prevent stickiness.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough half into a rectangle (10×12 inches) about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7: Layer Doughs

Carefully place the red dough on top of the plain dough rectangle. Gently press them together.

Step 8: Roll Into Log

Starting from one long side, roll both layers tightly into a log shape. Press gently as you roll to remove air pockets.

Step 9: Second Chill

Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap again. Chill it 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. Optionally brush lightly with water or whisked egg white before rolling it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat evenly.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

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

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies for about 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake.

Step 14: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your Peppermint Swirl Cookies as they bring joy to any occasion!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies is a delightful way to enhance any gathering or celebration. These colorful treats are not only visually appealing but also offer a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

With Hot Chocolate

• A warm mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with these cookies, providing a cozy and comforting treat.

As Party Favors

• Individually wrap the cookies in decorative bags to give as party favors at holiday gatherings, adding a personal touch to your celebrations.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a vibrant dessert platter alongside other holiday sweets for an eye-catching display that invites guests to indulge.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that combines textures and flavors.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring your Peppermint Swirl Cookies to a cookie exchange event where you can share this festive treat and try others’ creations.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Getting the perfect swirl in your Peppermint Swirl Cookies requires attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions for success in your baking endeavors.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly before slicing. This helps maintain the shape and swirl of the cookies.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality extracts and fresh butter will enhance the flavor of your cookies, making them even more delicious.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft, tender ones.

• Keep It Even: When rolling out your dough, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures even baking and consistent swirls in each cookie.

• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough log into rounds. A clean cut helps preserve the beautiful swirl design.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Pairing side dishes with Peppermint Swirl Cookies can elevate your dessert table. Consider these options that complement their sweet minty flavor perfectly.

1. Peppermint Bark: A classic holiday treat made from layers of chocolate and crushed peppermint candies that echoes the cookie’s flavor.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.

3. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese paired with crackers for a savory balance against sweet cookies.

4. Hot Cider: Warm spiced apple cider creates a cozy atmosphere while enhancing the peppermint experience during colder months.

5. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station with melted chocolate for dipping fruits, marshmallows, and even cookie pieces.

6. Nut Mix: A variety of spiced nuts offers crunch and saltiness that complements the sweetness of Peppermint Swirl Cookies nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppermint Swirl Cookies can be a fun experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Not chilling the dough – Failing to chill the dough before rolling can lead to sticky and unmanageable dough. Always allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for better handling.

• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and tender.

• Skipping the second chill – Neglecting the second chilling of the log can make slicing difficult and may cause the swirls to lose definition. Wrap tightly and chill for at least 2 hours.

• Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to overbaked or underbaked cookies. Always preheat your oven accurately for consistent results.

• Not using parchment paper – Baking directly on cookie sheets can cause sticking and uneven baking. Line your sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

• Ignoring cooling time – Transferring cookies too soon from the baking sheet to a wire rack can cause breakage. Let them cool slightly first to set properly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat cookies individually for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

Can I use different extracts in Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with other extracts like almond or vanilla for unique flavors while still maintaining the peppermint essence.

How do I achieve perfect swirls in my cookies?

To create sharp swirls, ensure you chill both halves of the dough separately and wrap them tightly before rolling into a log. This prevents color bleeding.

What if I don’t have gel food coloring?

You can substitute liquid food coloring, but start with a small amount since it may alter the dough’s consistency more than gel coloring does.

How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about one week at room temperature or one month when frozen.

Can I customize my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Absolutely! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or different types of candy coatings for added texture and flavor variations.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliciously delightful! Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings according to your taste. We encourage you to try making these festive treats this holiday season—they’re sure to impress family and friends!