Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe for Perfect Holidays

There’s something undeniably magical about the holidays—the glittering lights, the festive tunes, and of course, the sweet aroma of cookies baking in the oven. Imagine pulling out a tray of vibrant peppermint swirl cookies, their cheerful red and white spirals twinkling like candy canes. The first time I made these, the kitchen smelled like pure holiday bliss, and let me tell you, it was one of those moments where I just stopped, took a deep breath, and thought, “This is what the holidays are all about.”

These cookies are the perfect blend of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness and a refreshing pop of peppermint. My kids couldn’t stop sneaking them off the cooling rack (and honestly, I joined them). They’re so fun to make—rolling out the dough, twisting the colors together, and watching the swirls come to life is like creating edible art. You can’t help but smile.

If you’re looking for a showstopper cookie to brighten up your holiday tray or to gift to friends and family, this is it. Whether you’re baking for a winter party or just want to cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and a sweet treat, these festive peppermint swirl cookies are the perfect addition. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this recipe—it’s holiday cheer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Quick & Easy: You can whip up a batch of these cookies in under an hour, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples and a touch of peppermint magic.
• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Whether it’s Christmas morning, a cookie exchange, or a festive dinner, these cookies will steal the show.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and even more fun to eat, these cookies are a hit with the little ones and adults alike.
• Unforgettably Delicious: The buttery base pairs beautifully with the refreshing peppermint, creating a flavor combo that’s hard to resist.

What sets these apart are the stunning swirls that make them look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop. Plus, the soft and crumbly texture combined with the cool peppermint flavor is the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. They’re not just cookies—they’re a memory-making experience. And if you’re looking to impress without stressing, this recipe is your festive best friend.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create a visually stunning and absolutely delicious holiday treat. Most of these are pantry staples, but a few give that festive flair that makes these cookies so special.

• Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich, buttery texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookie dough and helps achieve a light, crisp exterior.
• Large egg: Adds richness and binds the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds warmth.
• Peppermint extract: Just a touch for that signature holiday flavor (don’t go overboard—it’s quite potent!).
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough; use a good-quality brand for best results.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cookies have the perfect amount of lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Red gel food coloring: For vibrant, festive swirls. Gel colors work better than liquid for a bold hue.

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nuttier twist. For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. And if you prefer a different color scheme, try green gel food coloring or even a mix of red and green for extra holiday spirit!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy to make these cookies, but here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Mixing bowls: A couple of medium-sized bowls for your dough and coloring.
• Electric mixer: A hand or stand mixer works perfectly for creaming the butter and sugar.
• Rolling pin: Essential for flattening the dough evenly.
• Baking sheets: Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough and rolling it out without sticking.
• Sharp knife: Helps slice the swirled dough into neat cookies.

If you don’t have an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease can do the trick—it’s just a bit more of a workout! And if you don’t have parchment paper, lightly greasing your baking sheets should work in a pinch, though the cookies might spread a bit more.

Preparation Method

1. Start with the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (226g) of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Add 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups (315g) of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3. Divide and color: Split the dough into two equal portions. Leave one plain and add red gel food coloring (start with a small amount and add more if needed) to the other portion, mixing until evenly colored.
4. Chill the dough: Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the dough from becoming sticky during rolling.
5. Roll and layer: Roll out both dough portions into equal-sized rectangles, about 1/4-inch thick. Place the red dough on top of the plain dough and gently press them together.
6. Create the swirl: Starting at one end, roll the layered dough tightly into a log. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill again for 15-30 minutes to firm up.
7. Slice and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set but not browned.
8. Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

That’s it! You’ve got yourself a batch of stunning, delicious peppermint swirl cookies.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

• Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough is key to keeping the swirls sharp and the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use gel food coloring: Liquid food coloring can make the dough too wet and hard to work with. Gel colors are more vibrant and require less quantity.
• Roll evenly: When rolling out the dough, use consistent pressure to ensure both layers are the same thickness.
• Work quickly: If the dough starts to soften while rolling, pop it back in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
• Cut clean slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough log for clean, even cookies.

And don’t worry if your swirls aren’t perfect—imperfections just add to the homemade charm!

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to switch up this recipe:

• Flavor twist: Swap peppermint extract for almond or orange extract for a unique holiday flavor.
• Color options: Use green gel food coloring instead of red, or try a mix of red and green for a festive duo.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Chocolate swirl: Add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to the plain dough for a chocolate twist.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative like margarine or vegan butter.

These cookies are incredibly customizable, so feel free to get creative!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, paired with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. Arrange them on a festive plate or in a holiday tin for gifting—they’re almost too pretty to eat!

To store them, place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them come to room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

One amazing thing about these cookies is that the flavors deepen over time. So don’t be surprised if you find them tasting even better a couple of days later!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per cookie:

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 1g

Butter provides delicious richness and vitamin A, while peppermint extract offers potential digestive benefits. These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, but if you have allergies, take note that they contain dairy, eggs, and gluten. For a healthier twist, try swapping in a sugar substitute or whole-grain flour.

Conclusion

These festive peppermint swirl cookies are everything you could want in a holiday treat—delicious, beautiful, and fun to make. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a little holiday magic to your kitchen.

I love how customizable they are, allowing you to put your own spin on the recipe. Plus, the joy of crafting those perfect swirls is a holiday tradition I look forward to every year. So grab your rolling pin and get ready to create something truly special!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments below or snap a photo and tag me on social media. Let’s spread the holiday cheer one cookie at a time. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant color without altering the dough’s texture.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Chilling the dough and rolling it out between sheets of parchment paper works wonders.

Can I make these cookies without peppermint extract?

Yes! You can use vanilla, almond, or another favorite extract to suit your taste.

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