Peppermint Swirl Cookies are the perfect treat to brighten your holiday baking. With their striking red-and-white spiral design, crisp texture, and refreshing mint flavour, they bring instant festive charm to any Christmas cookie tray. These cookies are surprisingly simple to prepare, yet they look beautifully intricate—a combination that makes them ideal for both gifting and entertaining. I have made these several times, and one year I even experimented by replacing a splash of milk in the dough with almond milk; it worked flawlessly and kept the cookies perfectly tender. Their buttery base pairs wonderfully with the cool peppermint notes, creating a balanced sweetness that appeals to adults and children alike. Whether you serve them with hot cocoa, arrange them on a holiday board, or wrap them in cellophane for a homemade gift, Peppermint Swirl Cookies offer the flavour and festive spirit that make Christmas baking memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are as visually appealing as they are delicious, making them a standout on any holiday dessert spread. The dough is easy to handle, the colours remain vibrant when baked, and the peppermint flavour is refreshing without overpowering the buttery richness. They slice beautifully, hold their shape well, and store easily—ideal for make-ahead baking. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one preparing for the holidays, these cookies deliver dependable results with minimal fuss.
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Peppermint Swirl Cookies: A Festive Holiday Cookie with Crisp Edges and Delightful Minty Sweetness
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive peppermint swirl cookies featuring a soft sugar-cookie base swirled with red coloring and flavored lightly with peppermint extract.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Red gel food coloring
- Crushed peppermint candies for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough in half; tint one half with red gel food coloring.
- Roll each dough half into equal-sized rectangles and stack them.
- Roll the stacked dough into a log to create the swirl effect.
- Wrap the dough log in plastic wrap and chill for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the dough into 1/4-inch rounds and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until set but not browned. Cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the swirl design during baking.
- You can roll the dough log in crushed peppermint candies for extra flavor and texture.
- Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant red swirl.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 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
Forms the base of the cookie dough, helping it hold its shape for clean swirls after slicing.
Unsalted Butter
Provides richness and keeps the cookies tender with crisp edges.
Granulated Sugar
Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookies’ light texture.
Egg
Adds structure and helps the dough bind smoothly.
Peppermint Extract
Delivers the hallmark minty flavour that makes these cookies so festive.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and balances the sharpness of the peppermint.
Red Food Colouring
Creates the striking swirl effect by tinting half the dough.
Salt
Enhances flavour and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Milk (Optional)
Used to adjust dough consistency if needed; almond milk also works well.
Directions
Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Slowly add the flour and salt, blending until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Tint one portion with red food colouring, kneading until the colour is evenly distributed. Roll each portion of dough into a rectangle of similar size and thickness. Carefully lay the red dough over the plain dough and gently press to adhere. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log, creating the swirl pattern. Wrap the log in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm. Once chilled, slice the log into even rounds and arrange the cookies on a prepared baking sheet. Bake until the edges are set and the colours remain vibrant. Cool completely before serving.
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 approximately 24 cookies. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, plus 1 hour of chilling time. Baking requires 10–12 minutes per batch.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed once fully cooled and crisp.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Peppermint Swirl
Replace the plain half of the dough with cocoa powder for chocolate-mint spirals.
Sprinkle-Edged Cookies
Roll the dough log in festive sprinkles before slicing for added colour and crunch.
Almond-Mint Twist
Add a hint of almond extract for a more complex flavour profile.
Candy Cane Crunch
Fold crushed candy canes into the red dough for pockets of peppermint texture.
Green-and-White Swirl
Use green food colouring instead of red for a wintery take.
Sandwich Cookies
Spread white chocolate ganache or frosting between two baked cookies.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free butter and almond milk as needed.
Soft-Baked Variation
Bake for slightly less time for a softer, chewier cookie.
Vanilla-Only Swirl
Omit peppermint for a classic sugar-cookie swirl pattern.
Triple-Colour Spiral
Create red, green, and white layers for a more vibrant Christmas swirl.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough log can be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before slicing and baking.
Should the dough be chilled before slicing?
Yes, chilling ensures clean cuts and preserves the swirl shape.
Can I freeze the dough log?
Absolutely. Freeze for up to two months; slice and bake from frozen.
Can I use gel food colouring?
Gel colouring works extremely well and offers vibrant results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Keep the dough cold and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
How strong should the peppermint flavour be?
Adjust to taste; a little peppermint extract goes a long way.
Do the cookies brown much?
They should remain mostly pale; remove them once the edges are set.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Mini chocolate chips can be added, though they soften the swirl pattern slightly.
Are these good for gifting?
Yes, they store well and look wonderfully festive in gift boxes.
Conclusion
Peppermint Swirl Cookies offer the perfect blend of festive beauty, refreshing flavour, and delightful texture. They are easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to elevate any holiday dessert display. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, a cookie exchange, or simply to enjoy at home, these colourful spiral cookies add a joyful touch to your seasonal sweets—and they’re sure to become a cherished annual tradition.
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