Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies Treat

These peppermint swirl cookies combine traditional sugar cookie methods with refreshing peppermint flavor, creating a treat that's both festive and simple enough for everyday snacking. I turn to this when I want fun baking without dealing with complex decorations. Their striking spiral patterns and crispy edges make them popular with everyone from kids to grown-ups.

I first whipped these up for holiday cookie swaps but now keep the instructions handy for gloomy weekends. They always add brightness to my table and fill my home with that memory-triggering peppermint aroma.

Grab Your Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Forms your cookie foundation, pick a good quality unbleached version for better results
• Baking powder: Gives a slight lift, check if it's still active by dropping some in hot water
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, fine sea salt works wonderfully if you have some
• Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess, consider using butter with higher fat content
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create texture, organic cane sugar offers a nice alternative
• Large egg: Helps bind everything and adds softness, always go for the freshest you can find
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth to the flavor profile, real vanilla makes a noticeable difference
• Peppermint extract: Creates that crisp holiday taste, stick with quality brands for the best flavor
• Coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies: Adds a festive crunch finish, always double-check candy ingredients for allergies

How to Make It

Make the Dry Mix:

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl for a full minute to make sure everything's well combined.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

Using an electric mixer, beat your softened butter with granulated sugar for about three minutes until it looks fluffy and pale. This step can't be rushed for truly tender cookies.

Add Eggs and Extracts:

Mix in the egg completely, then stir in vanilla and peppermint extracts. The mixture should look smooth so your cookies will taste the same throughout.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the flour mix while mixing on low speed just until combined. Stop mixing as soon as the dough forms to keep cookies soft.

Divide and Color Dough:

Cut the dough into two equal parts. Add red gel food coloring to one half and mix gently. You want distinct red and white portions without overworking the dough.

Form the Swirl:

Roll each dough portion between parchment into matching rectangles. Layer one over the other, then roll into a log to create the spiral effect. This creates the eye-catching design everyone loves.

Chill and Coat the Dough:

Wrap your log tightly in plastic and refrigerate at least two hours. Before slicing, brush with water or egg white then roll in sugar or candy pieces for extra sparkle.

Slice and Bake:

Cut the cold dough log into quarter-inch rounds. Place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for around nine to eleven minutes. Look for set edges with centers still slightly soft.

Cool and Serve:

Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for five minutes before moving to a cooling rack. This stops them from breaking apart. They taste amazing while still slightly warm.

My kids love picking what goes on the edges of these cookies. We sometimes use colorful sprinkles instead of peppermint bits, which lets them add their personal touch and feel part of the baking fun.

Flavor Boosters

Switch out the peppermint extract with lemon, almond, or cinnamon for something totally different. Coating the edges in colored sugars or different crushed candies makes them fit any celebration or season.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy with hot chocolate or a peppermint coffee drink for the full winter experience. For something extra fancy, put a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies to make amazing homemade ice cream sandwiches.

Creative Twists

Mix up the dough and freeze it for quick baking whenever you want. For summer, try using lemon extract with light colored dyes. In fall, coat the log in raw sugar and add a hint of cinnamon to your dough.

Whip up these peppermint swirl cookies and watch how quickly they vanish amid happy faces. Their pretty appearance and zingy flavor add a touch of magic to any gathering.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How can I achieve a pronounced swirl in the cookies?

Split your dough and add food coloring before combining them. Form into a log with gentle twisting motions, then make sure to chill completely so the design stays put.

→ Can I substitute peppermint extract with fresh peppermint?

While peppermint extract works best for strong flavor, you can try finely minced fresh mint leaves for a milder minty touch.

→ What is the key to a crisp cookie exterior?

The trick is coating your dough logs in chunky sugar or smashed peppermint candy pieces right before they go in the oven.

→ Are these cookies suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze the raw dough logs wrapped up tight or store baked cookies in sealed containers for later enjoyment.

→ How long should the dough chill before slicing?

Give your dough at least 1-2 hours in the fridge so it firms up enough to cut into nice rounds with clear swirl patterns.