The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with peppermint swirl cookies? Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with refreshing mint flavor and a delightful swirl of red and white. These cookies are like little bites of Christmas cheer, perfect for sharing or hoarding all to yourself while binge-watching your favorite holiday movies.
Peppermint swirl cookies are not just a treat; they evoke memories of cozy nights with loved ones, the scent of freshly baked goodies filling the air, and the excitement of holiday gatherings. Whether you’re baking for a festive party or simply indulging in a sweet moment, these cookies are sure to bring joy to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These peppermint swirl cookies come together quickly, making them super easy to whip up even on busy days.
- The vibrant colors make them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
- Bursting with minty freshness, they offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies.
- Plus, they can be enjoyed year-round or tailored for seasonal celebrations!
Ingredients for peppermint swirl cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookie dough; sift it well for a light texture.
- Baking Powder: A key ingredient that helps your cookies rise perfectly every time.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter adds richness and flavor; make sure it’s at room temperature.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; it helps create that irresistible chewy texture.
- Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar enhances moisture and adds depth to your cookie flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together while adding moisture; one large egg works best here.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla complements the mint perfectly; use pure extract if possible.
- Peppermint Extract: This is where the magic happens! Use this to infuse your dough with minty goodness.
- Red Food Coloring: Just a few drops will create those beautiful swirls; gel food coloring works best.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make peppermint swirl cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick like last year’s Christmas decorations.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This will ensure even distribution of those raising powers throughout your cookie masterpiece.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about three minutes—just enough time for you to sing along to your favorite holiday jingle.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until everything is combined smoothly—this is when you’ll start feeling like a master baker.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the dry ingredients from step two into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—and nobody wants tough cookies at Christmas!
Step 6: Create Swirls
Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and color the other half with red food coloring until vibrant swirls appear. Take small spoonfuls of each color and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Use a toothpick or knife to create pretty swirls—think abstract art meets dessert!
Transfer these sweet masterpieces into the oven for about ten minutes or until just lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool slightly before transferring them onto wire racks.
Serve these delightful peppermint swirl cookies warm with a cup of hot cocoa or package them up as gifts for friends who need some sweet cheer this season. Enjoy every bite as you embrace the festive spirit!
You Must Know
- Peppermint swirl cookies are not just a holiday treat; they’re a delightful way to bring festive cheer into any gathering.
- With their vibrant colors and delicious flavors, these cookies can brighten up your dessert table and make your guests smile.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by mixing the cookie dough and separating it into two bowls. Color one half with red food dye while leaving the other plain. Roll both halves into logs, twist them together, and slice. Bake until golden for perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your peppermint swirl cookies! Swap out peppermint extract for vanilla, or add chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness. Crushed candy canes on top can also enhance that festive flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store your peppermint swirl cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to regain that fresh-baked softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter to help create a creamy texture in your dough.
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Always check your cookies a minute or two before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
Baking peppermint swirl cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with laughter and sweet aromas. Her secret was always adding a pinch of love (and maybe a little more peppermint) that made every batch unforgettable!
FAQs:
What are peppermint swirl cookies?
Peppermint swirl cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines the flavors of fresh peppermint and rich chocolate. These cookies feature a vibrant red and white swirled design, making them visually appealing and festive. The addition of crushed candy canes enhances their minty flavor, while the buttery cookie base provides a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as gifts, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
How do you store peppermint swirl cookies?
To keep your peppermint swirl cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from becoming stale. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can also freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months in the freezer.
Can I substitute ingredients in peppermint swirl cookies?
Yes, you can make several substitutions when preparing peppermint swirl cookies. For instance, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, you can replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free variation or use dark chocolate chips in place of white chocolate for a richer flavor. Adjusting ingredients allows you to customize your cookies to suit dietary preferences.
How long do peppermint swirl cookies last?
Peppermint swirl cookies typically last about one week when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container. If frozen, they can remain tasty for up to three months. When thawing frozen cookies, simply leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying them again. This way, they regain their chewy texture and delicious minty flavor.
Conclusion for peppermint swirl cookies:
In conclusion, peppermint swirl cookies offer a festive treat perfect for any occasion. Their eye-catching appearance and delightful flavor make them a favorite during the holiday season. Remember to store them properly to maintain freshness and feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions based on your dietary needs. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, these delicious cookies will surely bring joy to your celebrations!
Delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these soft and chewy peppermint swirl cookies, bursting with refreshing mint flavor and charming swirls of red and white.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (gel)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract into the butter mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Create Swirls: Divide dough in half; leave one half plain. Color the other half with red food coloring until vibrant. Drop spoonfuls of each color onto prepared baking sheets and use a toothpick or knife to create swirls.
- Bake: Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool slightly before transferring to wire racks.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with hot cocoa or package as gifts!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For extra festive flair, top cookies with crushed candy canes. - Substitute peppermint extract with vanilla for a different flavor profile. - Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
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