Introduction
There’s something magical about the holidays that invites the aroma of freshly baked cookies into our homes, and these delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect addition to your festive celebrations! With their vibrant red and green spirals, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look stunning on any holiday platter. Each bite offers a refreshing burst of peppermint combined with the buttery richness of classic cookies, making them a true joy to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 42 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Divide the cookie dough evenly into two portions, placing each in a separate bowl. Color one portion with red food coloring and the other with green, kneading each until the colors are evenly distributed.
- Roll each colored dough into a log about 1 inch in diameter, taking care to maintain a uniform shape.
- Place the two logs side by side and gently press them together to form one long log, then wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once chilled, if necessary, preheat the oven again. Slice the chilled dough into ¼ inch thick rounds and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and fragrance fills your kitchen.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra festive touch, consider dusting the cookies with powdered sugar before serving or drizzling them with melted white chocolate.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time! After slicing them, you can freeze the unbaked logs, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, and they can be baked directly from the freezer when the craving strikes.
- If you want a more intense peppermint flavor, feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to your liking, but remember that a little goes a long way!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves basic baking techniques that are perfect for both beginners and experienced home bakers. The process of creaming butter and sugar together ensures a light texture, while folding in the dry ingredients helps to maintain that airy quality. Chilling the dough is key to achieving a crisp edge and keeping the cookies from spreading too much while they bake.
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? While it’s always best to use unsalted butter for baking, you can use salted butter; just skip adding additional salt in the recipe.
- How should I store these cookies? Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Can I add additional toppings or mix-ins? Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for an extra festive flair.
Conclusion
Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful scent of peppermint as you bake these Peppermint Swirl Cookies, making them a cherished part of your holiday traditions. Whether you’re enjoying them with a warm cup of cocoa or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to spread joy and festive cheer. Happy baking!