Name: Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Acts as a leavening agent.); 1 pinch salt (Enhances flavor.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened for best results.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Adds sweetness.); 1 large egg (Binds the dough.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Contributes warmth.); 0.5 teaspoon peppermint extract (Adjust based on taste preference.); 1 drop red gel food coloring (Avoid liquid coloring.); 1 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies (Adds crunch and flavor.)

As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with a delightful blend of cinnamon and evergreen, but let’s not forget the sweet, nostalgic aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. I can’t help but smile at the sight of Peppermint Swirl Cookies cooling on the counter, their vibrant red and white spirals inviting everyone to indulge. This recipe for Peppermint Swirl Cookies is not only a feast for the eyes but also an easy-to-follow guide that promises a tender texture and refreshing minty flavor—ideal for festive gatherings or thoughtful homemade gifts. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time! Are you ready to impress your friends and family with these deliciously swirled treats?

Why Are These Cookies So Special?

Festive Appeal: The vibrant red and white swirls bring holiday cheer to any gathering, making your dessert table shine.
Easy Preparation: Even novice bakers can master these cookies with clear, simple steps, ensuring success every time.
Refreshing Flavor: The delightful balance of buttery cookie and invigorating peppermint will leave everyone wanting more!
Freeze for Later: Make ahead and freeze for up to three months, ensuring you’re always ready for unexpected guests or last-minute celebrations.
Perfect Gifts: These cookies are not only tasty, but their stunning appearance makes them thoughtful, homemade gifts for friends and family. Enjoy them alongside a cozy cup of cocoa or check out our Brownie Mix Cookies for a delightful duo!

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies:
All-purpose flour – Provides structure, ensuring cookies retain their shape; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies a light texture.
Salt – Enhances the flavor balance and brings out the sweetness.
Unsalted butter – Use softened butter for a rich flavor and tender texture; ensure it’s not melted for best results.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a fluffy texture in the dough.
Large egg – Binds the dough together while adding moisture.
Vanilla extract – Contributes warmth and depth to the cookie flavor profile.
Peppermint extract – Delivers the signature minty flavor essential for holiday cookies; adjust based on your taste preference.
Red gel food coloring – Provides vibrant red coloration without affecting dough moisture; avoid liquid coloring to prevent stickiness.
For the Sparkle:
Coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies – Adds a sparkling finish and extra crunchy, minty flavor to the cookie exterior.

These delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies not only capture the festive spirit but also promise to impress with a balance of flavor and beauty!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This dry mixture will provide the structure for your Peppermint Swirl Cookies. Set it aside, and this will ensure that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The air incorporated into this mixture will create the tender texture you desire. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Beat one large egg into the creamy butter-sugar mixture, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Mix until fully combined, aiming for a smooth blend. These ingredients will add moisture and that delightful mint flavor essential for your Peppermint Swirl Cookies, making your dough rich and aromatic.

Step 4: Mix Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 1 to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. You should see a cohesive dough come together, ready for the next exciting step in creating your festive treats.

Step 5: Divide Dough
Carefully divide the dough into two equal halves. Keep one half plain and add red gel food coloring to the other half, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. This vibrant red dough will complement the white, creating those beautiful swirls that make your Peppermint Swirl Cookies visually appealing.

Step 6: Chill Dough
Wrap both halves of the dough in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining its shape while rolling and ensures clean, defined swirls in your Peppermint Swirl Cookies once baked.

Step 7: Roll Dough
On a floured surface, roll out both halves of the chilled dough into rectangles measuring approximately 10×12 inches and about ¼ inch thick. Make sure the thickness is uniform to ensure even baking. This rolling will create the canvas for your cookie swirls, so smooth edges are important.

Step 8: Layer and Roll
Stack the red dough on top of the plain dough. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pressing gently to eliminate any air pockets. Your log should be compact and smooth, which will help create those lovely swirls in the final cookies.

Step 9: Second Chill
Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm. This second chilling phase is key to ensuring that the dough is easy to slice without losing its shape, so don’t skip this important step!

Step 10: Preparation for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will prepare your workspace for the Peppermint Swirl Cookies, allowing for a seamless transfer from oven to cooling rack later.

Step 11: Slice and Coat
Once chilled, lightly brush the log with water or egg white to help the toppings stick. Then, roll the log in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies for a shimmering finish and extra flavor. Slice the log into ¼-inch rounds, placing them spaced apart on the lined baking sheets.

Step 12: Bake
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on your Peppermint Swirl Cookies to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before indulging in their delightful flavors and festive appearance.

What to Serve with Peppermint Swirl Cookies?

As you gather around the table with family and friends, complement the enchanting flavors of these festive cookies with delightful pairings that elevate the experience.

Rich Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa adds creamy sweetness, perfectly balancing the refreshing minty flavor of the cookies.
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spice blend in chai enhances the cookies’ festive vibe, providing warmth and coziness with each sip.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge in a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which adds a smooth, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crunchy cookie exterior.
Festive Chees platter: Include a cheese platter with sharp cheddar and creamy brie; the contrast of savory flavors beautifully complements the sweet mint cookies.
Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce provides a tart contrast that elevates the sweetness of the cookies while adding a festive touch.
Gingerbread Latte: A gingerbread latte brings warmth and spice that enhances the holiday spirit, making it a delightful sipping companion for your cookies.
Peppermint Bark: For an extra peppermint fix, serve with homemade peppermint bark; the chocolatey crunch perfectly complements the cookie’s texture.
Butter Pecan Cookies: Pair them with butter pecan cookies for an added layer of flavor and texture; the nuttiness beautifully balances the minty freshness.
Apple Cider: Warm apple cider introduces a lovely fruity note that enhances the cookie experience, filling the air with cozy, autumnal aromas.

Expert Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure butter is softened, not melted, before creaming. This helps create the air needed for light, tender Peppermint Swirl Cookies.
Chill Dough Well: Chilling the dough is crucial for clean swirls. Skipping this step can lead to misshapen cookies that don’t hold their design.
Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaking will lead to a dry texture, so aim for lightly golden edges.
Sharp Knives: Use a sharp, non-serrated knife when slicing the dough log to achieve clean cuts, ensuring beautiful swirls in each cookie.
Adjust Mint Intensity: Feel free to adjust the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste. Too much can overpower the balance of flavors!

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days; this keeps them fresh and delicious.
Fridge: If you prefer a softer cookie texture, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but ensure they’re sealed tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked Peppermint Swirl Cookies for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, and seal in a freezer bag.
Thawing: Thaw cookies by letting them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy their festive charm any time of the year!

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are excellent for meal prep, allowing you to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it. If you want to plan even further ahead, the chilled dough can be frozen for 2-3 months; just be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing. For optimal quality, avoid exposing the dough to air, which can cause freezer burn. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the final steps of slicing and coating before baking to ensure that your cookies are just as delicious and festive as if they were made fresh!

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Ready to personalize your Peppermint Swirl Cookies? Add your unique twist with these tasty ideas!

Almond Flavor: Replace peppermint extract with almond extract for a sweet, nutty alternative. This adds depth and a delightful surprise flavor.
Citrus Burst: Stir in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing, zesty twist. The sunshine of citrus pairs beautifully with the rich cookie base!
Chocolate Chip Delight: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a luscious contrast to the minty cookies. They’ll create a velvety surprise in every bite.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These cookies can effortlessly cater to those with gluten sensitivities without losing flavor or texture.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger into the dough for a surprising kick that compliments the peppermint perfectly. It’s an adventurous twist that enhances every bite!
Reduced Sugar: Cut back on granulated sugar by half for a less sweet version. Feel free to experiment; the result might be pleasantly surprising!
Miniature Shapes: Roll the dough into smaller logs for bite-sized cookies. Perfect for parties and sharing, these mini delights will disappear in no time.
Layered Cookies: Alternate colors by adding other food colorings for a rainbow of swirls. With a splash of creativity, they’ll be a festive treat that’s as fun to look at as they are to eat!

Enjoy these Peppermint Swirl Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa or check out our Brownie Mix Cookies to make an unforgettable cookie platter for the season!

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right peppermint extract?
When selecting peppermint extract, look for pure extracts that list only peppermint oil and alcohol in the ingredients. This ensures you get the true, refreshing mint flavor without artificial substances. For a milder flavor, consider starting with a smaller amount and adjusting to your taste.

How should I store leftover Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days, making sure to include a slice of bread inside the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them crisp. If you prefer a softer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to one week in a tightly sealed container.

Can I freeze Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked Peppermint Swirl Cookies for up to one month. Just ensure they are completely cooled, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag, separated by parchment paper. For easy access, label the bag with the date, and thaw them for 15-20 minutes at room temperature before serving.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out too sticky, ensure you’ve thoroughly chilled it after mixing. If it’s still hard to handle, lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour while rolling it out. In cases where the dough is overly sticky even after chilling, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until a manageable consistency is achieved.

Can I make Peppermint Swirl Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free Peppermint Swirl Cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. I recommend using one that contains xanthan gum, as it helps mimic the texture provided by gluten. Keep in mind that the cookies may have a slightly different texture, but the festive flavor will still shine!

Are there any alternatives to crushed peppermint candies for decoration?
Certainly! If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use coarse sugar or colored sprinkles to add sparkle to your cookies while avoiding the distinct peppermint crunch. These options provide a beautiful visual without altering the flavor, perfect for those who prefer something less minty.