Peppermint Swirl Cookies

The first whiff of peppermint hits me as I open the oven door, and I’m instantly transported back to my childhood. It’s funny how scents can do that, isn’t it? I hear the gentle sizzle of the cookies as they bake, and the aroma fills my small New York City kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. The memories come rushing back: laughter around the kitchen table, the anticipation of sweet treats, and the scent of peppermint swirling through the air. My kids dart in and out, curious and excited, ready to taste these delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies I baked just for them.

Why Peppermint Swirl Cookies is a Family Favorite

You might wonder why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart. Growing up, our kitchen was always the heart of our home. My mother had a knack for making every holiday brighter with her baking. Peppermint Swirl Cookies were a signature treat during the festive season. Every year, it became a cherished tradition to make these cookies together, often just after the Thanksgiving turkey was cleared from the table.

They are not just beautiful cookies; they represent warmth, creativity, and family. The rolling, twisting, and baking process brought us joy and laughter, and I fondly remember my mother teaching me the right way to roll the perfect log of dough without letting the colors bleed. It’s how we connected, sharing stories over layers of deliciousness, laughter punctuating our efforts in the kitchen.

In our busy lives, these Peppermint Swirl Cookies serve as a sweet reminder to slow down and enjoy the little moments. They bring my family together as we gather around the kitchen island, each of us with a job to do. These joyful cookies remind us that even in the chaos of city life, there’s always time to bake a little happiness into our day.

Bringing Peppermint Swirl Cookies to Life

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

The preparation of Peppermint Swirl Cookies is like an artistic endeavor. You start with simple ingredients, and as you mix, roll, and swirl, you create something truly lovely. The color contrast between the red and the white makes these cookies visually appealing, and the taste is undeniably festive.

Let’s dive into the details of how you can bring these delightful cookies to life in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is essential to any successful baking adventure. Here’s what you’ll need for Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

• 2 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
• Red gel food coloring
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating

Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the delightful balance of flavor and texture. The softness of the butter offers a rich base, while the peppermint extract brings that signature flavor we crave during the winter months.

Remember, using fresh extracts will elevate the flavor, bringing a brightness that is just beautiful.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Peppermint Swirl Cookies

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
5. Divide the dough in half, leaving one half plain. Add the red gel food coloring to the second half, mixing until the color is uniform.
6. This is where the magic happens: Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring no unwanted blending of colors.
7. Once chilled, on a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle measuring about 10×12 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this with the red dough.
8. Carefully lay the red dough rectangle directly on top of the plain one and gently press them together.
9. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Press gently to eliminate air pockets as you roll, making sure the log remains tight to maintain the swirl definition.
10. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until very firm. This second chill will prevent squishing and keep those beautiful swirls intact.
11. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12. Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator. If desired, brush the log lightly with water or a whisked egg white, then roll it in the coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat it evenly.
13. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the sliced cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
14. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
15. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Each step fills your kitchen with a blend of scents and colors that lift your spirits. The cheerful red against the white is not only pleasing to the eye; it also sets the mood for the festive season.

Serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies at the Family Table

Once those cookies are out of the oven, the magic continues. My family gathers around the table, eager to sample the day’s creation. The scent of peppermint wafts through the air, mingling with a slight buttery aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water.

We often enjoy these cookies in the middle of our family game night, each assigning a new challenge for each cookie enjoyed. The laughter and chatter blend beautifully with the crunch of sugar-coated cookies. Children’s giggles punctuate the air, while steaming cups of cocoa sit right beside us, the rich aroma wrapping us in warmth.

On holiday evenings, I love to plate these cookies on a colorful dish surrounded by twinkling fairy lights. It adds an extra dash of magic to our celebrations. Watching my kids pick their favorite cookies while filling the air with excited chatter makes every moment cherished.

Storing and Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Now that you’ve experienced the joy of baking and sharing Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you might wonder how to keep the leftovers fresh for as long as possible.

To store these cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the refrigerator, although they’ll be best consumed at room temperature.

If you ever find yourself with leftover cookies, remember that patience is key. The flavors deepen overnight, creating an even more delightful experience. They also take on a slightly softer texture that many of my family members prefer.

Should you choose to freeze them, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give them a slight warm-up in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.

Quick Tips from My Kitchen

Every kitchen comes with its little secrets, and here are a few from my own personal experience baking Peppermint Swirl Cookies:

1. Chill the dough: Don’t skip out on the chilling steps. It helps shape the dough perfectly without any mess and makes for clearer swirls.
2. Temperature matters: Ensure your butter is softened properly. It should be pliable and cool to the touch. If you’re in a hurry, you can cut the butter into small chunks and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Mixing colors: Don’t beat the colored dough too much; you want to achieve the color softly without overmixing it into a uniform blend. The swirls should remain visible.
4. Taste test: If you love the taste of peppermint like I do, feel free to add a little more peppermint extract to the dough. Just a drop could elevate the flavor further.
5. Catch your colors: Roll the logs tightly, pressing as you go to make sure there are no air pockets. This helps the cookies to hold their shape and look great after baking.

Variations on Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Cooking is about creativity and fun, and I love experimenting with different flavors. Here are a few variations that have been a hit in my home:

1. Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Mix in some cocoa powder into half of the dough. It creates a beautiful chocolate contrast that my kids adore.
2. Nutty Pecans: Chopped pecans or walnuts mixed into the plain dough give texture and flavor, enhancing the cookies.
3. Citrus Zest: For a fresh twist, add a little orange or lemon zest to the dough. The tangy flavor complements the peppermint marvelously.
4. Frosted Version: After baking, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, tinted with food coloring for extra fun.
5. Crushed Candy Canes: Instead of or along with coarse sugar, top the cookies with crushed candy cane pieces for an added crunch.

These variations allow you to personalize your cookies further, making each batch a unique celebration of flavors.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies

---

• Author: cookthatdish
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies that capture the essence of festive baking with a beautiful red and white swirl and a refreshing peppermint flavor.

---

Ingredients

• 2 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
• Red gel food coloring
• 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms.
5. Divide the dough in half, leaving one half plain. Add red gel food coloring to the second half.
6. Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the plain dough into a rectangle measuring about 10×12 inches.
8. Lay the red dough rectangle on top of the plain one and gently press them together.
9. Starting from one long side, carefully roll the layered dough tightly into a log.
10. Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and chill again in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
11. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
12. Remove the chilled dough log from the refrigerator, brush lightly with water or whisked egg white, and roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
13. Slice the log into 1/4 inch thick rounds, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
14. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
15. Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure the butter is softened properly for the best texture. Don’t skip the chilling steps for clearer swirls.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

FAQs About Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often prep it in the morning before the girls wake up, then finish it right before dinner it keeps the flavor fresh and saves time later.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?

You can use liquid food coloring, but gel food coloring provides a richer hue without altering the dough’s texture. If you want a more natural option, beet juice can also add beautiful color.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze them.

What can I serve with these cookies?

They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream during warmer months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While you can use margarine, unsalted butter truly elevates the flavor of these cookies. If you decide to substitute, choose a high-quality brand for the best outcome.

A Final Thought

As I reflect on our kitchen adventures with Peppermint Swirl Cookies, I feel immense gratitude. Cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about cherishing moments, building connections, and embracing creativity. Each swirl carries love, a unique flavor of family, and a testament to tradition.

So whether it’s a busy weeknight or a holiday gathering, may these delightful cookies bring joy and warmth to your home, reminding you that even in the chaos of life, there’s always room for sweet moments. Happy baking!