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Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 96 reviews

Delight in the festive charm of Peppermint Swirl Cookies, featuring vibrant red and white swirled dough combined with a refreshing peppermint flavor. These tender, buttery cookies are perfectly coated with coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies, making them a delightful treat for the holiday season or any time you crave a minty, sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Additional Ingredients

  • Red gel food coloring
  • 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for coating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This ensures a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, then add the vanilla and peppermint extracts, mixing well to incorporate all flavors evenly into the batter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  5. Divide and Color Dough: Split the dough into two equal parts. Leave one half plain, and add red gel food coloring to the other half, mixing until the color is uniform and vibrant.
  6. First Chill: Wrap each dough half separately in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough and prevents color bleeding during rolling.
  7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the plain dough into a 10×12 inch rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Roll the red dough to the same size and thickness.
  8. Layer Dough: Carefully place the red dough rectangle on top of the plain dough rectangle, gently pressing them together to adhere without tearing.
  9. Roll Into Log: Starting from one long edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log, pressing gently to remove air pockets and maintain swirl definition throughout.
  10. Second Chill: Wrap the dough log tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until very firm. This prevents the dough from squishing when sliced, preserving sharp swirls.
  11. Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  12. Coat Dough Log: Remove the dough log from the fridge. Optionally, brush lightly with water or whisked egg white, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a sparkling, flavored coating.
  13. Slice Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled dough log into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
  14. Bake Cookies: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and maintain peppermint flavor.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining the swirl effects and preventing color bleeding.
  • Use gel food coloring for a vibrant color that doesn’t affect dough consistency.
  • Coating the log with crushed peppermint candies adds extra texture and minty crunch.
  • Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid overbaking.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • To make the dough easier to roll, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin.

Keywords: peppermint cookies, holiday cookies, swirl cookies, peppermint swirl cookies, Christmas cookies, peppermint extract, colorful cookies, festive cookies

Find it online: https://spiceupwithsophie.com/peppermint-swirl-cookies-recipe/