Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a refreshing peppermint flavor and a vibrant red swirl. These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a cheerful treat with a cool minty bite.
Ingredients
- 1 batch sugar cookie dough
- 1-2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
- 3 drops red food colouring
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, knead the peppermint extract into the sugar cookie dough until well combined.
- Step 2: Divide the dough into two halves, placing one half into a separate bowl.
- Step 3: Add red food colouring to one half of the dough. Stir and knead until the dough is a vibrant shade of red.
- Step 4: Pinch off pieces of dough, alternating between red and undyed dough, and layer them in a log shape on a piece of parchment paper.
- Step 5: Roll the layered dough log tightly in the parchment paper, then refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
- Step 6: After chilling, unwrap the dough and slice into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Step 7: Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense peppermint flavor, use 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract, but add it gradually to avoid overpowering the dough.
- You can substitute red food colouring with natural alternatives like beet juice powder for a healthier option.
- Try adding crushed candy canes on top of the cookies before baking for extra crunch and festive flair.
Storage
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, warm briefly in a low oven to retain their crisp texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough for this recipe?
Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough works perfectly and allows you to control ingredients for a fresher taste.
What if I don’t have red food colouring?
You can omit the food colouring for a plain peppermint swirl or use natural colorings like beet powder to achieve a red hue.
PrintPeppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies Recipe
Peppermint Swirl Sugar Cookies are a festive twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring a delightful peppermint flavor and a striking red and white swirl design. These soft and buttery cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving, offering both a visually appealing treat and a refreshing minty taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 batch sugar cookie dough
- 1–2 teaspoons pure peppermint extract
- 3 drops red food colouring
Instructions
- Flavor the Dough: In a medium bowl, knead 1-2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract into the sugar cookie dough until well combined, infusing it with a refreshing mint flavor.
- Divide and Color: Place half of the dough into a separate bowl. Add 3 drops of red food coloring to this half and knead until the dough achieves a vibrant red hue.
- Form the Swirl Log: Pinch off small pieces of dough alternately from the red and white doughs, layering them in a log shape on a piece of parchment paper to create a peppermint swirl pattern.
- Chill the Dough: Roll up the layered dough log tightly in the parchment paper. Refrigerate it for 2 hours to firm up, which makes slicing easier and helps maintain the shape during baking.
- Slice the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough log from the parchment paper and slice into 1/4 inch thick slices, revealing the beautiful peppermint swirl design.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies sit for 2 minutes to firm up. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is well chilled before slicing to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste preference.
- For a stronger color, add a few more drops of food coloring, but avoid adding too much to maintain dough consistency.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies freeze well; wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze before baking, or freeze baked cookies after cooling.
Keywords: Peppermint swirl cookies, sugar cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint extract cookies, red and white swirl cookies
