As the holiday season approaches, the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air, and what better way to celebrate than with Peppermint Swirl Cookies? These festive and delicious treats not only add a pop of color to your dessert table but also bring that iconic seasonal flavor of peppermint that everyone loves. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with every swirl delivering a burst of minty freshness.
Moreover, these vibrant cookies are versatile, making them perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or just a cozy night in. Each bite is a whimsical combination of sweetness and holiday cheer, sure to delight both young and old. So, gather your baking supplies and get ready to create these enchanting peppermint cookies that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!
To create the delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Peppermint Extract
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Gel Food Coloring
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes
These ingredients combine to create a cookie that’s perfectly festive. If you enjoy holiday-themed treats, try our Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge for another delicious way to incorporate peppermint into your season! Prepare to indulge in a treat that bursts with flavor and brings a smile to everyone’s face!
How to prepare Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!
Creating delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies is easier than you think! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture provides the structure and leavening for your cookies.
Next, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, and blend in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for that aromatic touch. Then, mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract, reserving a portion for later.
Divide the dough into two bowls. Color one part with red gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue and then shape both portions into logs. Roll each log in crushed peppermint candies. Slice the logs into cookies and place them on baking sheets, ensuring ample space between each cookie.
Finally, bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are slightly golden. For more festive treats, check out Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge. Enjoy these Peppermint Swirl Cookies as a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations!
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
Creating delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat! requires attention to detail and practice. First, ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing; this helps achieve a light and airy cookie texture. When combining ingredients, avoid over-mixing; this can lead to tough cookies. To elevate flavor, use high-quality peppermint extract and consider adding a hint of vanilla. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading, resulting in a beautiful swirl effect.
Also, practice portion control by using a cookie scoop to maintain even sizes. For more festive ideas, take a look at my recipe for Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge, which perfectly complements these cookies. Lastly, for detailed guidance on achieving that perfect cookie consistency, check out Mama Blueberry’s amazing Peppermint Swirl Cookies recipe. Happy baking!
Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!
To keep your Peppermint Swirl Cookies fresh and delightful, proper storage is key. Start by allowing the cookies to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper layered between each cookie to prevent sticking. This method helps maintain their soft texture and vibrant peppermint flavor. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy your Peppermint Swirl Cookies again, let them thaw at room temperature. If you’re looking for more indulgent treats, try making Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge, a perfect companion to your festive cookies. These simple storage tips will ensure that your festive and delicious treats always taste homemade and fresh!
Serving Suggestions for Festive Occasions:
When it comes to serving Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!, presentation can elevate your holiday gatherings. Place these vibrant cookies on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of crushed candy canes for a visual delight. Pair them with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or festive eggnog to enhance their flavor.
For a delightful dessert table, consider serving these cookies alongside other sweet bites, like Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge. The colors and flavors will harmonize beautifully, making your spread eye-catching. Don’t forget to present some mini treats like No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies for variety.
Remember, festive events are all about sharing. Therefore, wrapping these cookies in cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons can create thoughtful gifts for family, friends, or coworkers. A bit of creativity will ensure that your Peppermint Swirl Cookies stand out and leave a lasting impression!
Variations on Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!:
Elevate your holiday baking with delightful twists on Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat! You can try adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes to elevate the flavor and texture. For another festive indulgence, pair them with our irresistible peppermint swirl fudge for a double dose of minty goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are festive, vibrant treats featuring a delightful blend of minty flavors and sugary sweetness. These cookies are often decorated with a charming swirl of red and white, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.
How do I store Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
To keep your peppermint cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For added moisture retention, place a slice of white bread in the container with the cookies.
Can I use different flavors besides peppermint?
Absolutely! While peppermint is a popular choice for these festive cookies, other flavors like vanilla or almond can also create a delicious variation.
Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies easy to make?
Yes, these delightful cookies are quite simple to prepare. With straightforward ingredients and a few easy steps, both beginner and experienced bakers can whip them up in no time.
What pairs well with Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a festive peppermint latte. Alternatively, you can serve them alongside peppermint fudge, like the delicious recipe found at Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Fudge for an indulgent treat.
Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these delectable cookies! Simply let them cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Print
Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Delight You Can’t Resist
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a festive delight, featuring a rich cookie dough swirled with vibrant red peppermint color and coated in crunchy crushed peppermint candies.
Ingredients
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter
softened
1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Peppermint Extract
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Gel Food Coloring
1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough in half. To one half, add the red gel food coloring and an additional teaspoon of peppermint extract, mixing until the color is uniform.
- Scoop small amounts of both the plain and red dough, roll them into balls, and twist them together to create swirls.
- Roll the swirled cookie dough in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a more intense peppermint flavor, adjust the amount of peppermint extract to your taste. Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Peppermint Swirl Cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats, peppermint dessert, cookie recipe