Save Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
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 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 Enjoy creating a festive treat that will brighten your holiday celebrations.
Kitchen Help
- → How do peppermint and vanilla extracts affect flavor?
Vanilla adds warmth and sweetness, while peppermint gives a cool, refreshing minty note that complements the sugar base.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dough?
Chilling firms the dough for easier rolling and shaping, helping maintain distinct peppermint swirls during baking.
- → Can gel coloring be substituted?
Gel coloring is recommended for vibrant hues without affecting dough texture, but liquid coloring can be used with care to avoid altering consistency.
- → How does crushed peppermint garnish influence texture?
The crushed candies add a crisp, crunchy contrast to the soft sweetness, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
- → What baking tips ensure evenly baked swirls?
Slicing chilled dough into uniform rounds and spacing them on lined sheets allows even heat distribution and consistent baking.