Name: Deliciously Fun Peppermint Swirl Cookies for the Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 160 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (A gluten-free blend works as a fantastic substitute.); 1 teaspoon baking powder (Acts as a leavening agent for a light lift without cake-like texture.); 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.); 1 cup unsalted butter (Ensure it's softened for optimal creaming.); 1 cup granulated sugar (Sweetens the cookies, aiding in fluffy texture.); 1 large egg (Binds ingredients and adds moisture.); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Balances the mint intensity.); 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (Delivers classic mint flavor.); 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring (Provides concentrated color without adding moisture.); 1/4 cup coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies (Adds a delightful crunch.)

As the holidays approach, the scent of peppermint wafts through the air, reminding me of festive gatherings and joyful memories. Baking these Bakery-Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies transforms any kitchen into a winter wonderland, with vibrant colors and delightful minty flavor. Not only do they elevate your dessert spread, but they’re also a thoughtful way to share a piece of your culinary heart with friends and family. With a little patience and a double-chilling technique, you’ll master a cookie that’s both tender and crisp, perfect for nibbling alongside hot cocoa or giving as charming homemade gifts. Are you ready to create an irresistible treat that dazzles as much as it delights? Let’s dive in!

Why are Peppermint Swirl Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible presentation: The eye-catching swirls of vibrant red and white create a festive flair that will captivate anyone who sees them.
Delightful minty flavor: Each bite bursts with refreshing peppermint, making them a perfect holiday treat.
Bake-ahead convenience: You can freeze the dough for up to 2-3 months, allowing for easy assembly at a moment’s notice.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies make thoughtful gifts and enhance your holiday dessert table, wonderfully complementing cozy beverages like hot cocoa.
Versatile variations: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or add fun toppings, keeping these cookies exciting every holiday season! For a delightful change, check out our Cookies Cream Ice or Banana Oatmeal Cookies.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Ingredients

For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; a gluten-free blend works as a fantastic substitute.
• Baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent for a light lift without cake-like texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Unsalted butter – Contributes richness; ensure it’s softened for optimal creaming.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies and aids in achieving a fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
• Large egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla extract – Balances the mint intensity with a warm, inviting depth.
• Peppermint extract – Delivers the classic mint flavor essential to Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

For the Color & Finish
• Red gel food coloring – Provides concentrated color without adding unexpected moisture.
• Coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies – Adds a delightful crunch and extra minty flavor for coating.

With this collection of ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating stunning and scrumptious Peppermint Swirl Cookies that will become a beloved holiday tradition!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until evenly combined. This step helps incorporate air, so your Peppermint Swirl Cookies achieve a light texture. Set the bowl aside as you move to the next step to prepare the wet mixture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add in 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, mixing until everything is well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually mix the dry flour mixture into the wet butter mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your Peppermint Swirl Cookies tough. The dough should come together nicely, leaving the sides of the bowl clean.

Step 4: Divide the Dough
Divide the cookie dough in half, placing one half in a separate bowl. Leave the first half plain, and to the second half, add a few drops of red gel food coloring. Mix well until you achieve a vibrant red color throughout the dough, creating the signature look for your Peppermint Swirl Cookies.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Wrap both halves of the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later and enhancing the flavors. While the dough chills, get your workspace ready for rolling.

Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough half to approximately 10 by 12 inches, ensuring an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Lay the red dough on top of the plain dough carefully, creating a layered effect that will transform into beautiful swirls in the final cookies.

Step 7: Create the Log
Starting from one edge, roll the layered dough tightly into a log shape. Ensure that the dough layers remain intact for beautiful swirls. Once rolled, wrap the log in plastic wrap again and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm it up, giving your Peppermint Swirl Cookies their distinct shape.

Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly without sticking, allowing for easy transfer once they’re finished baking. The aroma of baking cookies will soon fill your kitchen!

Step 9: Coat the Log
Optionally, before slicing, brush the chilled dough log with a bit of water or egg white for a shiny finish, then roll it in 1/4 cup of coarse sugar or crushed peppermint candies to add sweetness and texture. This step will make your Peppermint Swirl Cookies even more festive.

Step 10: Slice the Cookies
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the slices on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. The rounded edges will create a lovely presentation for your holiday treats.

Step 11: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft, giving a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and tweak these cookies to your liking for a personalized touch!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for an equally delightful treat anyone can enjoy.
You’ll still capture that tender texture, ensuring nobody feels left out during the festivities.
Minty Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing twist on the classic peppermint flavor.
The vibrant orange will awaken your taste buds, creating a unique balance of citrus and mint in every bite.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies after baking for a decadent addition.
The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavors, elevating your treats to a whole new level of indulgence.
Sugar Cookie Base: Instead of adding red food coloring, use a sugar cookie base for a soft and chewy alternative.
These cookies will hold their shape well, making them perfect for decorating with festive icing or sprinkles.
Cacao Powder: Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a delightful chocolate peppermint cookie.
This variation combines the charming peppermint swirls with a rich, chocolaty taste that’s perfect for the holidays.
Spices Boost: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a cozy, warm flavor to complement the mint.
These spices will evoke the essence of the season, bringing those heartwarming memories flooding back.
Peppermint Extract Level: Adjust the amount of peppermint extract based on your preference for mint intensity—more for a stronger kick!
Tailor it to everyone’s taste, ensuring your cookies are perfectly matched to their minty desires.

For more delightful cookie ideas, you might also enjoy our Roll Sugar Cookies or exploring the delightful variations in Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Let the baking adventures begin!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve light and fluffy cookies during the creaming process.
Chill Wisely: Don’t skip the chilling steps; they help reduce stickiness and ensure your cookies maintain their beautiful swirl shape.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent tough Peppermint Swirl Cookies.
Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into even rounds. This helps maintain the defined swirls and ensures even baking.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly golden at the edges but soft in the center—perfectly melt-in-your-mouth!

Storage Tips for Peppermint Swirl Cookies

Room Temperature: Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5–7 days. Adding a slice of bread can help absorb excess moisture.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep the cookies in the fridge for a refreshing bite; they’ll stay fresh for up to a week—but best enjoyed at room temperature.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag where they’ll be good for up to a month.

Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Peppermint Swirl Cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes for a warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Swirl Cookies are an ideal choice for busy home cooks looking to streamline their holiday baking! You can prepare the dough logs up to 2-3 months in advance by tightly wrapping them in plastic wrap and storing them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw the logs in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. Moreover, baked cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their delightful texture, place a slice of bread in the container to absorb moisture. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy fresh, festive cookies with minimal effort when it’s time to celebrate!

What to Serve with Bakery-Perfect Peppermint Swirl Cookies

The joy of baking these colorful delights can be beautifully complemented by a few perfect side dishes and drinks.

Rich Hot Cocoa:
A steaming cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with the minty freshness, enhancing the cozy holiday vibes.
Spiced Chai Tea:
The warm spices in chai beautifully balance the cool peppermint, creating a delightful contrast for your palate.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream:
A scoop of creamy ice cream can enhance the cookies’ crisp edges, adding a lovely temperature variation to each bite.
Classic Sugar Cookies:
A gentle sweetness from sugar cookies harmonizes with the minty flavor, perfect for a memorable dessert platter.
Peppermint Bark:
A layer of chocolatey peppermint bark mirrors the flavors of your cookies, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Fresh Fruit Salad:
The lightness of a fruit salad refreshes the palate and adds vibrant color, creating a beautiful festive centerpiece.

Indulging in these pairings will not only elevate your holiday gatherings but also create cherished moments with family and friends around the table.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best peppermint extract?
Choose a high-quality peppermint extract for the best flavor—look for natural ingredients with no artificial additives. The clear liquid should have a strong minty aroma. Avoid products with a lot of sugar or additional flavors that might detract from the pure peppermint taste.

What’s the best way to store baked Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Store your Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. To maintain their freshness, consider placing a slice of bread in the container; it will absorb moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming stale.

Can I freeze the dough for Peppermint Swirl Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze the dough, wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a ziplock bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before slicing and baking as usual.

What should I do if the cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, don’t worry! It’s common with butter-based doughs. Simply chill the dough for an additional 30 minutes, which should help firm it up. Additionally, you can dust your workspace and rolling pin with a light layer of flour to prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.

Are Peppermint Swirl Cookies safe for pets?
No, Peppermint Swirl Cookies are not safe for pets, especially dogs. Ingredients like sugar, butter, and chocolate can be harmful to them. Always keep baked treats out of reach and opt for pet-friendly recipes if you wish to share treats with your furry companions.

How long do Peppermint Swirl Cookies last in the freezer?
When stored properly, baked Peppermint Swirl Cookies can last in the freezer for up to a month. Make sure to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. For the best taste, thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!