Save to Pinterest Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
These cookies have become a holiday tradition in our family, filling the house with a sweet peppermint aroma.
Ingredients
- Dough: 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Coloring: Red gel food coloring
- Garnish (optional): 1/2 cup (70 g) crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 3 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Beat until combined.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
- Step 5:
- Divide dough in half. Add red food coloring to one portion and knead until desired color is achieved. Leave the other half plain.
- Step 6:
- Shape each dough half into a rectangle, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Roll out each dough separately between parchment to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Step 8:
- Stack the red dough over the plain dough, peel away the top parchment, and gently press together.
- Step 9:
- Starting from a long side, tightly roll up the dough into a log. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Step 10:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Step 11:
- Slice the chilled log into 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange on prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Step 12:
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies if desired.
- Step 13:
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, until edges are just set and cookies are no longer shiny.
- Step 14:
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Save to Pinterest These cookies bring back memories of baking together every holiday season with loved ones.
Notes
These cookies freeze well store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a festive treat.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls Electric mixer Measuring cups and spoons Rolling pin Parchment paper Sharp knife Baking sheets Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and dairy (butter). Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens check packaging. Always double-check ingredient labels if you have food allergies.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these festive cookies as a sweet holiday tradition that everyone will love
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives the distinct swirl pattern in these treats?
The swirl comes from dividing the dough into two parts—one tinted with red gel food coloring—and rolling them together before chilling.
- → How does chilling affect the final texture?
Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to slice precisely and helping maintain the swirl shape during baking.
- → Can crushed peppermint candies be omitted?
Yes, the crushed candies are optional but add a delightful crunch and enhance the mint aroma on top.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and surface loses shine.
- → What ingredients contribute to the mint flavor?
Pure peppermint extract in the dough and optional crushed peppermint candies provide the refreshing mint notes.