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