Imagine a cookie that's not just a dessert, but a work of art – swirling with vibrant red and green colors, infused with a cool peppermint punch that dances on your taste buds! These Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies are more than just a holiday treat; they're a guaranteed show-stopper that will have everyone asking, "How did you make these?" Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in a moment of sweet, minty bliss, these cookies combine playful aesthetics with irresistible flavor in every single bite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 32 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 30 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the large egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Continue to beat until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
- Divide the cookie dough into two equal portions. In one portion, add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until you achieve a uniform red color. In the other portion, add green food coloring and mix until the dough is a uniform green color.
- Take a small amount of each colored dough and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You can also create a log shape if you prefer a swirl effect.
- Place the red and green dough balls next to each other on a clean surface. Gently press them together and then twist them slightly to create a swirl pattern.
- Using your hands, roll the swirled dough into a log shape, about
- 5 inches in diameter. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up the dough.
- Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and slice the log into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will continue to set as they cool.
- Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can optionally dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch.
- Enjoy your delightful Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies with family and friends!
Tips
- Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. This creates the perfect creamy texture for your cookie dough.
- Chill, Don't Rush: Refrigerating the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading during baking.
- Food Coloring Technique: Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors that won't alter the dough's consistency.
- Swirl Consistency: When creating the swirl, don't overwork the dough. Gentle twisting creates the most beautiful marbled effect.
- Uniform Cookie Size: Use a sharp knife and measure your cookie slices to ensure even baking.
- Cooling is Key: Let cookies cool completely on wire racks to maintain their crisp texture.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
