Description

Festive peppermint swirl cookies with a buttery, tender texture and vibrant red-and-white spirals. Their cool peppermint flavor and beautiful design make them perfect for holiday baking.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Red gel food coloring

1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies (for coating)

Water or egg white (for brushing)

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Instructions

Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough in half. Leave one portion plain and tint the other with red gel food coloring.
Wrap each dough portion in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll both the plain and red doughs into 10×12-inch rectangles on a lightly floured surface.
Stack the red dough over the plain dough and press gently to adhere.
Roll tightly from a long side into a log, removing any air pockets. Wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Brush the chilled log lightly with water or egg white, then roll in coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies.
Slice into 1/4-inch rounds and place 1 inch apart on baking sheets.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Cool briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Add a touch of almond extract for added depth.

Use different gel food colors for various holidays.

Roll the dough log in crushed chocolate mints for a chocolate-peppermint variation.

Dip baked cookies in melted white chocolate for a decorative finish.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Cookies
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 90
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 55mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 12mg