Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season. These cookies boast a beautiful red and white swirl, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Ideal for festive gatherings or cozy family nights, Peppermint Swirl Cookies combine the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a buttery cookie base. Their unique appearance and wonderful taste will impress your guests and make any occasion special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red and white swirls create a striking dessert that looks great on any holiday table.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up these delightful cookies with ease.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields about four dozen cookies, making it perfect for parties, gifts, or cookie exchanges.
• Versatile Flavor: The refreshing peppermint flavor makes these cookies a seasonal favorite, perfect for Christmas or winter celebrations.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the color intensity or add crushed peppermint on top for extra crunch and flair.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into baking Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy butter-sugar mixture quickly, ensuring a well-aerated dough.
• Plastic wrap: Wrapping the dough in plastic ensures it chills properly, which is crucial for maintaining the cookie’s shape during slicing.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin makes it easy to roll out dough to the desired thickness without sticking.
• Baking sheets: Line these with parchment paper for easy cookie transfer and clean-up once baked.

Ingredients

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 Color 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 Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

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 vanilla extract and peppermint extract until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can affect texture.

Step 4: Divide Dough and Add Color

Divide your dough in half. Leave one half plain while adding red gel food coloring to the second half. Mix until you achieve a uniform color.

Step 5: Chill Dough for Sharp Swirls

Wrap each ball of dough separately in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough making it easier to handle.

Step 6: Roll Out Dough

Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the plain dough into a rectangle measuring about 10×12 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this step with the red dough so both pieces are uniform.

Step 7: Layer Dough Rectangles

Carefully lay one rectangle on top of the other. Gently press them together to ensure they stick without forming air pockets between layers.

Step 8: Roll Into Log Shape

Starting from one long side, carefully roll your layered dough tightly into a log shape. Ensure that it’s tight enough to prevent gaps but not so tight that it squishes outwards.

Step 9: Chill Again

Wrap your log tightly in plastic wrap again and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until very firm. This second chill is crucial for keeping your swirls intact when slicing.

Step 10: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper so they are ready for baking.

Step 11: Coat Dough Log

Remove the chilled log from refrigeration. Optionally brush it lightly with water or whisked egg white then roll it in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to coat evenly.

Step 12: Slice Cookies

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

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them as they can become dry.

Step 14: Cool Cookies

Let cookies cool on baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Enjoy your Peppermint Swirl Cookies!

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies can add a festive touch to any gathering or celebration. These cookies not only look visually appealing but also bring a delightful flavor that pairs well with various accompaniments.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the sweetness of the cookies, making it a perfect pairing for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
• Hot Chocolate: Dip these cookies into creamy hot chocolate for an extra indulgent treat, ideal for cozy winter nights.
• Tea: A warm cup of herbal or peppermint tea harmonizes beautifully with the minty flavor of the cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment: Present Peppermint Swirl Cookies alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread and sugar cookies for a colorful dessert spread.
• Cake Stand Display: Arrange your cookies on a decorative cake stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece for your dessert table.

As Party Favors

• Gift Bags: Package individual cookies in festive bags tied with ribbons. This makes a thoughtful party favor that guests will appreciate.
• Cookie Jars: Fill mason jars with layered cookies and decorate them with festive labels for a charming gift that showcases your baking skills.

How to Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

These tips will help you master the art of making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, ensuring they are just as beautiful as they are delicious.

• Bold Use of Color: Add enough red gel food coloring to achieve vibrant swirls. This enhances the visual appeal and makes them eye-catching.
• Chill Dough Properly: Don’t skip the chilling steps! Chilling the dough helps maintain sharp edges and prevents colors from bleeding together.
• Tight Rolling Technique: Roll the dough tightly to avoid gaps in your swirls. A consistent roll keeps the design intact during baking.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake until edges are just golden to keep your cookies soft. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies that lack texture.
• Decorate Creatively: Consider adding crushed peppermint candies or drizzling white chocolate over cooled cookies for an extra festive touch.

Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Peppermint Swirl Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their festive spirit. Here are some delightful options:

1. Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a station with different toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint sticks for guests to customize their drinks.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies and provides a healthy option alongside your dessert spread.
3. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses, crackers, and nuts for a savory complement that offsets the sweet flavors of the cookies.
4. Ice Cream Sundae Station: Offer vanilla or mint ice cream with toppings such as chocolate sauce and sprinkles for an interactive dessert experience.
5. Scones: Serve light scones with clotted cream and jam for a classic pairing that adds variety to your dessert table.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Provide mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like chocolate or vanilla to create an assortment of treats for guests to enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Peppermint Swirl Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough is crucial for sharp swirls. Don’t skip this step; it helps the colors stay distinct and makes slicing easier.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accurate measurements.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if possible.
• Baking on unlined sheets: This can cause cookies to stick and burn. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on high power.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, warming each cookie for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are festive, colorful treats that combine buttery cookie dough with peppermint flavor and striking red and white swirls.

Can I use other extracts in Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Yes! You can experiment with other extracts like almond or vanilla for different flavor profiles while keeping the peppermint as a base.

How do I store leftover Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I freeze my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing in a freezer-safe container.

How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last?

These cookies will last up to a week in the refrigerator or about three months when frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously festive. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home, these cookies can be easily customized by adding different flavors or toppings. Try making them today and enjoy the delightful swirl of peppermint goodness!