Save to Pinterest Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
I love serving these festive cookies at holiday parties because the peppermint flavor and cheerful colors always impress my guests.
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 to Pinterest My family eagerly awaits these cookies every year and enjoys decorating the platter together during our holiday celebrations.
Notes
For a stronger mint flavor increase the peppermint extract slightly.
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 to Pinterest These cookies add festive cheer to any holiday gathering and make wonderful gifts for friends and family.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How is the peppermint flavor achieved?
A combination of peppermint extract in the dough and optional crushed peppermint candies as garnish delivers a refreshing minty taste.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the dough?
Chilling firms the dough for easier shaping and rolling, helping maintain clean, defined swirls when sliced and baked.
- → Can the red coloring affect texture?
Using gel food coloring provides vibrant shades without altering the cookie's texture or consistency.
- → How to store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for up to one month to preserve freshness.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, electric mixer, rolling pin, parchment paper, baking sheets, and a sharp knife for slicing.
- → How long does total preparation take?
Total time includes 25 minutes active prep, plus chilling and baking, amounting to about 1 hour and 37 minutes.