Save Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
I have made these cookies every holiday season and they never fail to impress guests with their beautiful swirl and refreshing peppermint flavor.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Coloring: Red gel food coloring
- Garnish (optional): 1/2 cup (70 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half. Add red food coloring to one portion and knead until desired color is achieved. Leave the other half plain.
- Step 6:
- Shape each dough half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Roll out each dough separately between parchment to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Step 8:
- Stack the red dough over the plain dough, peel away the top parchment, and gently press together.
- Step 9:
- Starting from a long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Step 10:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Step 11:
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 12:
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
- Step 13:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, until edges are just set and cookies are no longer shiny.
- Step 14:
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save My family loves gathering around the table to decorate and enjoy these cookies during the holidays, making cherished memories each year.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, parchment paper, sharp knife, baking sheets, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens; check packaging carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per cookie: 95 calories, 4.5 g total fat, 13 g carbohydrates, 1 g protein.
Save These Candy Cane Swirl Cookies bring festive cheer and delicious flavor to every holiday occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → What gives the distinctive swirl in these festive sweets?
The swirl effect is created by dividing the dough into two parts, coloring one with red gel food coloring, then stacking and tightly rolling them together before slicing.
- → How can I achieve a stronger mint flavor?
Increasing the amount of peppermint extract in the dough will intensify the minty aroma and taste without altering the texture.
- → What is the best way to chill the dough for easy handling?
Wrap the dough halves in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling. After forming the log, chill it again for another 30 minutes to firm up.
- → Can the finished treats be stored for later consumption?
Yes, these sugar confections freeze well and should be stored airtight to maintain freshness for up to one month.
- → What are ideal beverage pairings for these peppermint swirled sweets?
Pairing with hot cocoa or peppermint-infused tea enhances the festive flavors and complements the refreshing mint notes.
- → Are there any important allergy considerations?
These treats contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. The peppermint candies may include soy or other allergens, so check packaging carefully.