Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect blend of festive charm and classic buttery cookie goodness. With their red-and-white spiral design and refreshing peppermint flavor, they’re a standout on any holiday cookie platter. These cookies are tender, lightly crisp at the edges, and carry just the right amount of mint to feel seasonal without overwhelming the sweetness. I once chilled the dough overnight, and the swirls held their shape beautifully while the flavor deepened ever so slightly—worth the extra time if you enjoy a more pronounced peppermint note. This recipe is easy to prepare, fun to shape, and offers a bakery-worthy presentation with minimal effort. Whether you’re baking for holiday cookie exchanges, creating edible gifts, or simply filling your kitchen with festive aromas, Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring both beauty and deliciousness to your celebrations.
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Peppermint Swirl Cookies: Festive, Buttery Treats with a Holiday Twist
- Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive peppermint-flavored slice-and-bake cookies with a red and white spiral design, perfect for holiday cookie trays.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red gel food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
- Whisk the flour and salt together in a separate bowl, then slowly mix into the wet ingredients to form a dough.
- Divide the dough in half. Tint one half with red gel food coloring.
- Roll each dough half between parchment into matching rectangles.
- Layer the red dough on top of the plain dough and gently press.
- Roll tightly from the long edge to form a swirl log. Roll the outside in sprinkles if desired.
- Wrap the log in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours or until firm.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the dough into 1/4-inch slices.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until set but not browned.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Chill the dough thoroughly for clean slices.
- Use gel food coloring for a vibrant swirl.
- Swap peppermint for almond or vanilla extract for a different version.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Flour gives structure to the cookies while keeping them tender. Measuring accurately prevents the dough from becoming too dense or crumbly.
Baking powder
This adds a subtle lift to the cookies, helping them maintain a soft, slightly airy texture.
Salt
Salt enhances the buttery flavor and balances the sweetness.
Butter
Softened butter provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also helps create a smooth, pliable dough.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the dough and helps achieve that classic sugar cookie texture—soft yet lightly crisp on the edges.
Egg
An egg binds the ingredients and adds moisture, contributing to the cookie’s soft crumb.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds warmth and depth, complementing the peppermint flavor.
Peppermint extract
Peppermint extract infuses the dough with festive freshness. A small amount goes a long way.
Red food coloring
Red coloring creates the bright, eye-catching swirl that gives these cookies their signature holiday look.
Directions
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Leave one portion plain and add red food coloring to the other, kneading gently until the color is evenly distributed.
Roll each dough portion between sheets of parchment paper into equal rectangles. Place the red dough on top of the plain dough, peeling away the parchment. Gently press the layers together, then roll the combined dough into a tight log starting from one long edge. Wrap the log in parchment and chill for at least two hours to firm up.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the chilled dough into even rounds and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a rack.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 24–30 cookies depending on thickness. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, chilling requires at least 2 hours, and baking takes 8–10 minutes per batch. Total estimated time: about 2½ to 3 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store Peppermint Swirl Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to two months; thaw at room temperature before serving. No reheating is required, as these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Peppermint Swirls
Swap vanilla for a teaspoon of cocoa powder in the plain dough to create a chocolate-mint spiral.
Green-and-Red Christmas Swirls
Color half the dough green and the other half red for an even more festive look.
Sparkling Sugar Edges
Roll the cookie log in coarse sanding sugar before slicing for added sparkle and crunch.
Candy Cane Crunch
Fold finely crushed candy canes into the dough for extra peppermint texture.
Almond-Peppermint Twist
Replace half the vanilla with almond extract for a delicate, nutty layer of flavor.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate for added sweetness and decoration.
Thin and Crisp Version
Slice the dough thinner and bake a minute longer for crisp cookies.
Soft and Thick Version
Slice slightly thicker and reduce baking time to keep the centers soft.
Marbled Dough
Gently fold the red and plain doughs together instead of layering to create a marbled effect.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for similar results.
FAQs
Do I have to chill the dough?
Yes, chilling prevents spreading and helps the swirl pattern hold.
Can I use gel food coloring?
Yes, gel provides vibrant color without altering dough texture.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
The dough may not have been chilled long enough; extend chilling time.
Can I freeze the dough log?
Yes, freeze for up to two months and slice directly from frozen.
Can I make them without peppermint?
Yes, omit the peppermint for a classic vanilla swirl cookie.
Are these cookies very minty?
They have a mild peppermint flavor; increase extract slightly if desired.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Small mini chips can be added but may disrupt the swirl pattern.
How thin should I roll the dough?
Aim for about ¼ inch for even spirals and easy rolling.
Can I use natural food coloring?
Yes, though the red may appear softer.
Why is my red dough cracking?
It may be too cold—let it rest briefly at room temperature.
Conclusion
Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring together festive color, buttery softness, and refreshing peppermint in a cookie that feels joyful and elegant. With their stunning spiral design and balanced flavor, they make a beautiful addition to holiday cookie platters and gift boxes. Easy to prepare, fun to customize, and consistently delicious, these cookies offer holiday spirit in every bite. Whether you bake them for loved ones or enjoy them with a warm drink at home, they’re sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.
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