Indulging in the delightful taste of Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat! brings holiday cheer to any occasion. These vibrant, minty delights not only look stunning on your dessert table but also fill the air with a festive aroma that captures the essence of the season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that bursts with refreshing peppermint flavor, leaving you wanting more.
Moreover, these charming cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations. Whether stacked on a platter or gifted in a beautiful box, peppermint-infused treats evoke warmth and joy. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of Peppermint Swirl Cookies and discover how to make your own batch that will surely impress everyone!
Ingredients for Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!:
To create your delightful Peppermint Swirl Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
– All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, plus a little extra for dusting your work surface, providing the essential structure for your cookies.
– Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon, acting as the leavening agent for a slightly soft and tender texture.
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhancing the flavors and balancing the sweetness while highlighting the vibrant peppermint.
– Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature, forming the rich foundation of your cookie dough.
– Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups, adding sweetness and creating that coveted crisp edge with a chewy center.
– Large Eggs: 2, also at room temperature, binding the ingredients together and enhancing richness.
– Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, a classic element that beautifully complements the peppermint.
– Pure Peppermint Extract: 1 1/2 teaspoons, with 1 teaspoon for the red dough and 1/2 teaspoon for the crushed candy coating.
– Red Gel Food Coloring: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, used to achieve a vibrant red without adding excess moisture.
– Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes: 1/2 to 3/4 cup, providing delightful crunch and festive appeal.
For another festive treat idea, try making Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies for a holiday-themed variety. These peppermint delights will surely impress your guests! Enjoy baking!
How to Prepare Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!
Get ready for a delightful baking experience with these irresistible Peppermint Swirl Cookies! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt; set it aside. In another bowl, cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure peppermint extract, mixing well.
Next, divide the dough in half. Color one half with red gel food coloring, adjusting for vibrancy. Combine the red dough with the uncolored dough and gently swirl them together. Roll into logs and chill for about 30 minutes. Finally, roll in crushed peppermint candies before baking them for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy a festive and delicious treat that’s perfect for the holidays! For another delightful Christmas recipe, check out these Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies:
Baking the ideal Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat! can be both fun and rewarding. Follow these simple tips for the best results. Start by measuring your ingredients accurately; using a kitchen scale can help with precision. Additionally, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, which aids in better mixing and texture. When combining your dough, avoid overmixing. This keeps your cookies light and tender.
Invest time in chilling your cookie dough. Chilled dough prevents spreading, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies with that delightful peppermint swirl. If you’re looking for more festive ideas, try making festive Christmas sugar cookies for a holiday treat!
Lastly, consider checking the baking time and temperature. Every oven is unique, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. For even more variations, explore this comprehensive guide on peppermint swirl cookies. With these tips, your peppermint cookies will impress guests and family alike!
Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!:
To keep your Peppermint Swirl Cookies fresh and delightful, proper storage is key. First, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Once they are cool, place them in an airtight container. This will help retain their moisture and prevent them from becoming stale. For optimal freshness, store them at room temperature for up to one week.
If you want to enjoy these festive delicacies for a longer period, consider freezing them. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method can extend their shelf life for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them up briefly in the oven.
For an extra holiday treat, try pairing your cookies with some delicious peppermint fudge. Check out this Peppermint Swirl Fudge Christmas Treat for a delightful combination that will impress your guests! Enjoy your baking!
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Touch:
Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat! truly shine during holiday gatherings, thanks to their vibrant colors and delightful flavor. To elevate your cookie presentation, consider serving them on a decorative platter surrounded by festive garnishes. Place a few candy canes or sprigs of fresh mint alongside the cookies to enhance their joyful appeal.
Pair these delightful treats with a warm beverage, such as hot chocolate or peppermint tea, for a perfectly cozy experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also explore the delicious flavor of peppermint in other holiday creations, like the Festive Christmas Sugar Cookies Recipe. This combination will keep your guests talking and coming back for more.
Lastly, think about packing these cookies in festive tins as thoughtful gifts. This way, you can share the joy of your Peppermint Swirl Cookies with friends and family, making them feel special this holiday season!
Variations of the Classic Recipe:
To elevate your Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Treat!, consider adding chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for extra flair. For a delightful twist, try making Peppermint Swirl Fudge, which perfectly complements these cookies. Whichever variation you choose, your holiday baking will be irresistibly festive and mouthwateringly delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients are required for peppermint swirl cookies?
To create these festive and delicious treats, you’ll need basic baking ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and peppermint extract. Additionally, incorporating red and white food coloring can help achieve the appealing swirl effect that makes these cookies a standout, especially during the holiday season.
Can I make peppermint swirl cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough a day in advance. Simply wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This way, when it’s time to bake, you can simply slice and bake your peppermint-infused cookies fresh whenever you like.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To maintain the freshness of your peppermint swirl cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This method ensures they stay soft and delicious for several days, allowing you to savor the festive flavors for longer.
Can I swap ingredients to create a gluten-free version?
Yes! For a gluten-free version of these peppermint cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This substitution allows you to enjoy the same festive, minty taste, ensuring everyone can indulge in these delicious treats.
Are there similar recipes I can try?
If you’re seeking alternate festive recipes, you might enjoy making festive Christmas sugar cookies. These treats also embrace the holiday spirit and are equally delightful for cookie decorating activities with family and friends.
What’s the best way to decorate peppermint swirl cookies?
For the perfect holiday touch, consider drizzling melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies and sprinkling crushed candy canes for added texture. This enhances their festive appearance and complements the peppermint flavor beautifully.
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Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive & Delicious Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are a festive delight, combining the refreshing flavor of peppermint with a beautiful red swirl, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
3 cups All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter
softened to room temperature
1 1/2 cups Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
at room temperature
1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Peppermint Extract
divided
1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Gel Food Coloring
1/2 to 3/4 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies or Candy Canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
- Divide the dough in half. Leave one half plain and add red gel food coloring and 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the other half until you achieve your desired color.
- Take small portions of each colored dough and roll them together to form a log. Twist the logs to create a swirl effect.
- Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top of each cookie before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Peppermint Swirl Cookies, festive cookies, holiday treats, dessert recipes
