Swirled Christmas Cookies bring holiday cheer with vibrant red and green dough swirled together into pinwheels. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or creating a festive cookie platter. As a holiday tradition, they not only taste delicious but also look stunning. Imagine a plate full of these colorful swirl cookies at your next holiday gathering, instantly brightening the atmosphere. With such a simple process, you’ll find that making these cookies can become a cherished family activity, especially with kids involved in the baking. Let’s dive into how to make these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Swirled Christmas Cookies
This easy swirled Christmas cookie recipe is not just visually appealing; it’s also a treat that everyone will love. Here are six reasons:
- **Colorful swirl cookies** are a feast for the eyes and the palate.
- They are simple to make, making it an enjoyable activity for the whole family.
- Perfect for holiday gifting, these cookies are a great way to spread cheer.
- They can be customized with different colors or flavors, like peppermint or gingerbread.
- Kids love to help decorate with sprinkles, making baking fun.
- These cookies are a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories of Christmas baking.
Ingredients for Swirled Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for softer dough)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- Sprinkles or colored sugar, to sprinkle on top after baking
How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add milk if dough is too dry.
- Step 2: Divide dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion, and green food coloring to the other. Mix until colors are fully incorporated. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Step 3: Roll each dough portion to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 4: Place red dough on top of green dough. Press gently, then roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick discs to create a pinwheel swirl pattern.
- Step 5: Place discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 6: Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Swirled Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter is softened for the best texture.
- Chilling the dough helps with slicing and keeps the colors vibrant.
- Experiment with different colors for various holidays.
- Using a sharp knife when slicing will help maintain clean edges.
Best Ways to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies
These cookies can be served in several delightful ways:
- Arrange them on a festive platter at holiday parties.
- Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or eggnog for a cozy treat.
- Include them in holiday gift baskets for friends and family.
How to Store and Reheat Swirled Christmas Cookies
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough logs. Just slice them and bake directly from the freezer, adjusting the baking time slightly. This makes it easy to always have festive cookies ready!
Frequently Asked Questions About Swirled Christmas Cookies
What are swirled Christmas cookies?
Swirled Christmas cookies are festive treats made by combining colored dough into a pinwheel shape. They are popular for holiday celebrations due to their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor.
Can I make swirled Christmas cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. This is great for busy holiday schedules when you want to bake fresh cookies quickly.
How do I avoid common mistakes with swirled Christmas cookies?
To avoid common pitfalls, ensure your dough is properly chilled before slicing, and don’t skip the chilling step if the dough feels too soft. This will help maintain the swirl pattern and make the cookies easier to cut.
Variations of Swirled Christmas Cookies You Can Try
Here are some creative ideas to customize your cookies:
- Try using different color combinations, such as blue and white for Hanukkah.
- Add peppermint extract to the dough for a festive twist.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon for a warm flavor reminiscent of gingerbread.
- Decorate with royal icing for beautiful decorative swirled cookies.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies or Easy Cinnamon Rolls. You can also learn about Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes for a delightful dessert option!
Print
Swirled Christmas Cookies: 5 Festive Ideas to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Swirled Christmas Cookies bring holiday cheer with vibrant red and green dough swirled together into pinwheels. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or creating a festive cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for softer dough)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- Sprinkles or colored sugar, to sprinkle on top after baking
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add milk if dough is too dry.
- Divide dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion, and green food coloring to the other. Mix until colors are fully incorporated. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Roll each dough portion to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Place red dough on top of green dough. Press gently, then roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick discs to create a pinwheel swirl pattern.
- Place discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Leave a Reply