Description
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect Christmas treat. Soft and chewy with a festive red and white swirl pattern, they feature a refreshing peppermint flavor and are easy to make. Ideal for holiday gifting, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying a cozy snack during the season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 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, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix the dough.
- Fold in the Peppermint: Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide and Color the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one portion and mix until the dough turns a vibrant red. Leave the other portion as is.
- 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.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- 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!
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Peppermint Swirl Cookies, Christmas Cookies, Holiday Treats, Peppermint Desserts, Festive Cookies