Name: Delicious Peppermint Swirl Cookies for Festive Joy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Provides elasticity and structure for beautiful, defined cookie shapes.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Acts as a leavening agent.); 0.25 teaspoon salt (Enhances sweetness and flavor.); 0.75 cups unsalted butter (Adds richness and tenderness.); 1 cups granulated sugar (Creates air pockets when creamed with butter.); 1 large egg (Serves as a binding agent.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances the taste.); 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract (Gives the cookies their refreshing holiday essence.); 1 drop red gel food coloring (Adds vibrant color without changing dough texture.); 0.5 cups coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies (Adds sparkle and an extra minty crunch.)

As I watched the snowflakes dance outside my window, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The scent of baking cookies always takes me back to holiday bliss, and this year, I couldn’t resist making a batch of Peppermint Swirl Cookies. These cookies are not just a feast for the eyes with their striking red and white swirls, but they also deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply irresistible. The best part? They’re effortless to whip up, even for novice bakers, and they make the perfect festive treat for gatherings or thoughtful gifts. Plus, with the clever double-chilling technique, you can ensure those beautiful swirls stay intact! Are you ready to add a splash of holiday cheer to your kitchen?

Why Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies So Special?

Delightful Visuals: These cookies are a feast for the eyes with their stunning red and white swirl patterns, making them an impressive addition to any holiday spread.

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of rich, buttery dough and a light crunch from the coating creates a dreamy experience for your taste buds.

Effortless Baking: Even novice bakers will shine with this simple recipe—it’s all about the chilling technique that keeps those swirls perfectly defined.

Perfect for Gifting: Pack these beauties in a festive box for a heartfelt holiday gift that friends and family will love. For more delightful options, check out my Healthy Carrot Cookies or Chocolate Oat Cookies for a varied treat selection.

Endless Customization: Feel free to play around with flavors! Swap peppermint extract for almond or add citrus zest for a refreshing twist.

Peppermint Swirl Cookie Ingredients

• You’ll love how simple these peppermint swirl cookies come together!

For the Dough

All-purpose flour – Provides elasticity and structure for beautiful, defined cookie shapes.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a delicate lift without making the cookies cakey.
Salt – Enhances sweetness and intensifies the overall flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and tenderness; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar – Creates air pockets when creamed with butter, giving cookies a fluffy texture.
Large egg – Serves as a binding agent, adding moisture and helping to connect all the ingredients.
Vanilla extract – Complements the peppermint flavor, enhancing the taste for a delicious holiday treat.
Peppermint extract – The star flavor that gives these cookies their refreshing holiday essence.

For the Color and Coating

Red gel food coloring – Adds vibrant color without changing the texture of the dough; a little goes a long way!
Coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies – Adds sparkle and an extra minty crunch, perfect for that festive touch!

Feel the excitement as you gather these ingredients to whip up a batch of delightful peppermint swirl cookies! They’re not only visually stunning but also bursting with holiday cheer.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, cream ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to this mixture and stir until just combined.

Step 2: Divide & Color Dough
On a clean surface, divide the prepared dough into two equal halves. Leave one half plain and take the other half in a bowl. Add red gel food coloring to the second half, mixing well until you achieve a vibrant red color that’s evenly distributed. This colorful dough will create the festive swirls in your Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Step 3: Chill Doughs
Wrap each half of the dough in plastic wrap, ensuring they are tightly sealed to prevent drying out. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial, as it helps maintain the shape of the cookies and prevents the colors from bleeding during baking.

Step 4: Roll & Layer
Once chilled, lightly flour your work surface and roll out each colored dough into rectangles that are approximately 10×12 inches. Stack the red-colored dough on top of the plain dough, aligning the edges. Gently press them together to form a single layered sheet, ensuring the colors are merged but not blended, for those beautiful cookie swirls.

Step 5: Form Log
Starting from one end, tightly roll the layered dough into a log shape, ensuring it’s compact yet not overly squished. Wrap the log in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and place it back in the refrigerator to chill for an additional 2 hours. This step is essential to achieving clean, defined slices and retaining the swirled design.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough chills. Upon removal from the refrigerator, use a sharp knife to slice the log into ¼-inch rounds. If desired, brush the log with a bit of water or egg white, and roll each slice in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a decorative touch. Place the slices on a lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they should remain soft in the center. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive Peppermint Swirl Cookies!

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these festive cookies to suit your taste!

Almond Extract: Substitute peppermint extract with almond extract for a warm, nutty twist that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Citrus Zest: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness, creating a delightful burst of flavor that complements the mint.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The result will be just as delightful without the gluten, making these cookies accessible for everyone.
Chocolate Chips: Toss in some mini chocolate chips for a rich and decadent addition. The chocolate melts into the soft cookie, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
Mint Chocolate: Substitute half of the peppermint extract for a mint chocolate flavor. Add in crushed mint chocolate candies for extra texture and a delightful twist.
Dipped in Chocolate: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, then sprinkle with crushed candy canes or coarse sugar. This extra touch adds not just flavor but a festive touch!
Spiced Variation: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor that complements the peppermint, making your cookies perfect for cold winter evenings.
Mini Cookie Size: Roll the dough into smaller logs and cut slices ½ inch thick instead of ¼ inch for adorable, bite-sized cookies—perfect for sharing or for little hands at the holiday table.

Each of these variations invites you to explore beyond the classic recipe while still creating treats that are sure to impress. Other festive recipes like Chocolate Oat Cookies or Healthy Carrot Cookies are also wonderful additions to your holiday cookie platter, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a perfect solution for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by dividing the mixed dough, coloring one half with red gel food coloring, and wrapping both in plastic wrap before refrigerating. For longer storage, freeze the dough log tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the log in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. This method preserves that delightful flavor and texture, ensuring your cookies taste just as delicious as if baked fresh!

What to Serve with Bakery-Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

As the holiday season shines brightly, crafting a meal to accompany these delightful treats enhances any festive gathering.

Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of rich chocolate pairs perfectly with peppermint, embracing the cozy holiday spirit.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, colorful fruits provide a refreshing contrast. Their sweetness balances the cookies’ minty flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.
Coffee or Espresso: The deep, robust flavors of coffee elegantly enhance the sugary treat. A comforting sip brings out the cookies’ buttery notes beautifully.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside for a delightful temperature contrast. The cool creaminess complements the cookie’s texture and taste perfectly.
Holiday Punch: A chilled, fruity punch adds a festive flair. Its vibrant flavors can brighten any dessert table and make your gathering more cheerful.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch offers a satisfying texture. Dipping them in chocolate elevates the experience, creating a harmonious sweet-and-salty note with the cookies.
Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced nuts introduces a savory crunch that contrasts deliciously with the sweetness, ensuring a balanced and satisfying holiday snack spread.

Tips for the Best Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Chill Thoroughly: Make sure both dough halves stay chilled; this prevents the colors from bleeding and helps achieve those vibrant swirls.
Avoid Overmixing: After incorporating the flour, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Remember, gentleness is key!
Sharp Knife: Use a very sharp knife when cutting the log for clean, defined edges. This enhances the overall appearance of your peppermint swirl cookies.
Watch Your Bake Time: Bake until the edges are lightly golden to keep a tender center. Cookies may seem soft but will firm up as they cool.
Experiment with Colors: Don’t hesitate to use different gel colors to create fun swirls, especially for non-holiday occasions!

Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Refrigerator: If you want to extend their freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to avoid drying out.

Freezer: Freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw cookies in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for an hour. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes if you prefer them warm!

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best peppermint extract?
When choosing peppermint extract, opt for pure extracts over imitation for a more intense and authentic flavor. Look for extracts that list real peppermint oil in the ingredients. The color should be clear or light green; avoid overly dark extracts as they may have added artificial colors.

What’s the best way to store Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. This helps retain their freshness and delightful texture. If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can place a slice of bread in the container to absorb excess moisture, helping to maintain that soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw the cookies in the refrigerator overnight, or leave them at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm treat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes!

What should I do if my cookie edges are uneven?
If you find that your cookie edges are uneven when slicing, don’t worry! Ensure you use a very sharp knife, and try to slice with a quick, even motion. If the dough has warmed up too much, you can chill it again before cutting for cleaner edges. Chilling is key to achieving those beautiful swirls!

Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies suitable for those with allergies?
These cookies contain common allergens like gluten and eggs. If you’re making them for someone with specific dietary restrictions, consider using a gluten-free flour alternative and an egg substitute like flaxseed meal or applesauce, both of which work beautifully to bind the dough without compromising texture. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens!

Can I change the color of my Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Absolutely! While red gel food coloring is traditional, feel free to experiment with other colors to suit different occasions or themes. Just ensure you’re using gel coloring for a vibrant hue without altering the dough’s consistency. Have fun mixing things up for birthdays or other festive occasions!