Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring together the magic of classic sugar cookies and the festive flavor of peppermint. These eye-catching spiral treats are soft, buttery, and layered with swirls of red and white dough that are both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for Christmas cookie trays, edible gifts, or a cozy baking day, these cookies are a must-have during the holidays.
The best part about these cookies, besides their vibrant red swirl and refreshing mint flavor, is that the dough can be made ahead and chilled, allowing you to bake them fresh whenever you need a last-minute holiday treat. These cookies don’t just taste like Christmas, they look like it too.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red gel food coloring
- Optional: coarse sanding sugar or sprinkles for coating
Preparation Steps
Step 1 – Mix dry ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cream the butter and sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step 3 – Add egg and extracts:
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until fully combined.
Step 4 – Add the dry ingredients:
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
Step 5 – Add color to half of the dough:
To one half of the dough, add a few drops of red gel food coloring. Knead or mix until the dough is evenly colored. Leave the other half plain.
Step 6 – Roll out each dough layer:
Roll out both red and white doughs into equal-sized rectangles (about 1/4 inch thick) on separate sheets of parchment paper. Try to shape them the same size.
Step 7 – Layer and roll the dough:
Carefully place one rectangle over the other (red on bottom or white on bottom depending on the visual preference). Gently press them together, then roll the layered dough into a tight log starting from the longer side to create the swirl.
Step 8 – Chill the dough:
Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The colder the dough, the easier it is to slice cleanly.
Step 9 – Slice and bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice the dough log into 1/4-inch rounds. If desired, roll the edges of each cookie in sanding sugar or sprinkles.
Step 10 – Bake:
Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until the edges are just set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation
- Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder in one half of the dough to make chocolate peppermint swirls.
- Double Mint: Add a handful of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes to the dough for a stronger minty crunch.
- Vanilla Swirl: Omit the peppermint extract and use vanilla extract in both doughs for a simple vanilla flavor with red and white festive colors.
- Green Swirls: Use green gel coloring instead of red for an alternative holiday color scheme or combine all three colors in a triple-layered dough for a rainbow swirl effect.
Cooking Notes
- Gel food coloring is preferred over liquid to avoid changing the dough consistency.
- Make sure the dough is firm and well-chilled before slicing to avoid smearing the swirl.
- For sharper swirls, use a sharp serrated knife and rotate the dough log as you slice to keep pressure even.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Cookie Platters: These cookies look beautiful arranged with other Christmas classics like gingerbread men and sugar cookies.
- Edible Gifts: Package in clear cellophane bags or cookie tins with festive ribbon for neighbor and teacher gifts.
- Cookie Exchanges: Their vibrant swirl pattern makes them an eye-catching contribution.
- Dessert Table Accent: Stack them alongside hot chocolate, mini brownies, and fudge for a holiday dessert bar.
Tips
- Chill the dough log upright (standing up in a jar or mug) to avoid flat sides if you’re storing it overnight.
- Roll the dough tightly to avoid gaps in the swirl once baked.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level, especially when using salted toppings.
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Avoid overbaking, cookies will continue to firm up after removal from the oven.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Bake Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approx. 1 of 24)
- Calories: 145
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 40mg
Note: Nutritional info will vary based on cookie size and decorations.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just slice and bake from chilled or slightly thawed.
Can I use peppermint oil instead of extract?
- Yes, but peppermint oil is much stronger. Use only a few drops to avoid overpowering the cookies.
Do these cookies spread a lot?
- Not much. Keeping the dough chilled and slicing to 1/4-inch ensures minimal spreading.
How do I make the swirls neater?
- Make sure both dough rectangles are evenly sized and pressed together before rolling tightly and chilling well before slicing.
Can I decorate these after baking?
- Absolutely. You can drizzle with white chocolate or dip one half in melted chocolate and add crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles.
Conclusion
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a delightful blend of flavor and holiday cheer. With a peppermint-kissed buttery base and stunning red-and-white swirls, they bring charm and sweetness to your cookie trays and holiday gifting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your Christmas baking tradition, this recipe offers flexibility, make-ahead convenience, and eye-catching results every time.
They’re festive, flavorful, and easy enough to make with kids. From the cool zing of peppermint to the satisfying crunch and soft bite, these cookies deliver the essence of Christmas in every swirl. Bake a batch, share the joy, and make your holiday season just a little more magical.