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Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe for the Holidays Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

These Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holidays. Featuring a delightful blend of classic buttery sugar cookie dough swirled with vibrant red peppermint-flavored dough, and topped with crunchy crushed candy canes, these cookies deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing minty flavor. Easy to make and sure to impress, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Coloring and Toppings

  • Red food coloring
  • Crushed candy canes

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps to aerate the dough for a tender cookie.
  3. Add Egg and Peppermint Extract: Beat in the large egg and peppermint extract until well combined, infusing the dough with a festive mint flavor.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into two equal halves. Leave one half plain, and to the other add a few drops of red food coloring. Mix until the color is evenly incorporated.
  6. Form Dough Logs: Take a portion of the red dough and a portion of the plain dough. Roll each into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Place the two logs side-by-side and gently press them together. Roll the combined dough slightly to blend the colors while keeping the swirl pattern distinct.
  7. Chill Dough: Wrap the combined logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice.
  8. Slice and Arrange: Once chilled, slice the dough logs into ¼-inch thick rounds. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the tops of each cookie slice evenly with crushed candy canes to add crunch and additional peppermint flavor.
  10. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly soft, but they will set as they cool.
  11. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to maintain crispness.

Notes

  • You can substitute crushed peppermint candies or candy cane pieces for crunch and flavor.
  • Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
  • For a stronger peppermint flavor, consider adding a little more peppermint extract according to taste.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Chilling the dough logs is important to maintain the swirl pattern and make slicing easier.

Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, peppermint swirl, sugar cookies, Christmas cookies, festive treats

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/delicious-peppermint-swirl-cookies-recipe-for-the-holidays-recipe/