Peppermint Swirl Cookies : A Festive and Delicious Holiday Treat

When it comes to holiday baking, there’s nothing quite as festive and irresistible as Peppermint Swirl Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies feature a delightful swirl of peppermint flavor that instantly evokes the holiday spirit. Whether you’re looking for an easy Christmas cookie recipe to share with family and friends or just need a cozy cookie recipe for yourself, these peppermint cookies are the perfect choice.

The combination of buttery cookie dough and refreshing peppermint creates a cookie that’s not too sweet, yet perfectly balanced with a burst of holiday cheer. Perfect for gifting, parties, or cozying up by the fire, Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the ideal way to celebrate the season. If you’re looking for more festive cookie ideas, be sure to check out our Best Christmas Cookies Recipes for more holiday baking inspiration.

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Why You’ll Love Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Here’s why these Peppermint Swirl Cookies will quickly become a holiday favorite:

• Festive and Fun: The bright, red and white swirl pattern makes these cookies as visually stunning as they are delicious.
• Perfectly Pepperminty: The peppermint flavor is just the right amount — refreshing without being overpowering.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Ideal for Gifting: These cookies are great for holiday gift baskets, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet treat to share with neighbors and loved ones.

If you love peppermint, don’t miss out on more Peppermint Christmas Recipes like our Peppermint Chocolate Bark for another holiday treat to add to your baking lineup!

Who This Recipe Is For

This Peppermint Swirl Cookies recipe is perfect for:

• Holiday Bakers: If you’re looking for a festive, easy-to-make cookie to bake with your family, these peppermint cookies are the ideal choice.
• Peppermint Lovers: If you can’t get enough of peppermint during the holidays, these cookies will be your new go-to.
• Christmas Cookie Lovers: From cookie exchanges to family gatherings, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Cozy Dessert Seekers: These cozy Peppermint Christmas Cookies are perfect for enjoying with a hot drink on a chilly evening.

Looking for more easy cookie Christmas recipes? Be sure to check out our Easy Cookie Christmas Recipes for other simple yet festive ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies (or peppermint candy canes)
• Red food coloring (for the swirl effect)

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Butter: Make sure to use softened butter for the best texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine.
• Peppermint Extract: This gives the cookies a fresh, minty flavor. If you like a more intense peppermint taste, you can increase the amount slightly.
• Crushed Peppermint Candies: Use candy canes for a more traditional peppermint flavor, or purchase peppermint baking chips for an easier option.
• Food Coloring: Red food coloring is used to create the festive swirl effect, but feel free to use natural food coloring if preferred.

If you’re looking for more Peppermint Baking ideas, be sure to check out our Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies for another fun and flavorful twist on the classic cookie.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer (optional): To cream the butter and sugar together quickly.
• Baking sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: To prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Spatula or spoon: For mixing and shaping the dough.

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Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Making these Peppermint Christmas Cookies is simple and fun! Just follow these steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix the dough.

Step 6: Add the Crushed Peppermint

Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 7: Divide and Color the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion of the dough and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red. The other portion will remain the natural dough color.

Step 8: Create the Swirl Effect

Take small portions of both the red dough and the plain dough and roll them into small balls. Flatten them slightly with your hands, then stack one red dough disc on top of one plain dough disc. Gently twist the doughs together to form a swirl pattern.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy the festive peppermint flavor!

For more festive holiday cookie ideas, check out our Christmas Peppermint Cookies for a variety of delightful treats.

Pro Tips for the Best Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough that’s easier to work with.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft to handle, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling and swirling the dough.
• Perfect Swirls: For the most beautiful swirl effect, use a gentle twisting motion when combining the red and plain dough. Don’t overwork it, or you’ll lose the swirl design.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaked cookies will be hard instead of soft and chewy.
• Too Much Food Coloring: A few drops of food coloring are enough for a bright, vibrant red. Don’t overdo it, or the dough may become too wet.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Parchment paper helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and ensures they bake evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are perfect for:

• Holiday Parties: Serve these cookies as part of your Christmas party food spread. They look festive and are easy to serve.
• Gift Giving: Package them up in cute boxes or tins as homemade gifts for friends and family.
• Christmas Brunch: Serve these cookies as a treat during Christmas brunch or alongside hot cocoa or tea.

For more holiday food ideas, check out our Christmas Party Food for appetizers and snacks that will add flavor and fun to your celebrations!

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Cookie Platters: Arrange these cookies in a festive holiday platter and garnish with fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Cookie Ornaments: Decorate these cookies with royal icing or edible glitter for an extra touch of holiday sparkle.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for a rich, chocolaty touch.
• More Mint: Add a few drops of mint extract or peppermint oil to the dough for an extra peppermint punch.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For a mint-chocolate combo, mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips to the dough.

How to Store and Reheat

Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These cookies also freeze well, so you can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

For more cozy dessert ideas, try our Cozy Cookie Recipes for warm, comforting bakes perfect for the winter season.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Make the Dough Ahead of Time: Prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This makes it easier to bake on the day you want the cookies.
• Freeze the Cookies: You can freeze the dough in individual balls before baking. When ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use different extracts?
Yes! While peppermint extract is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts: Why Peppermint Swirl Cookies Are a Keeper

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually stunning, but they’re also packed with the festive peppermint flavor we all crave during the holidays. Whether you’re baking for a party, family gathering, or simply enjoying some cozy cookie time at home, these cookies will add a special touch to your holiday season. Fun, easy, and absolutely delicious, they’re sure to become a new holiday tradition.

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