Pin Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
This cozy chicken stew has been a family favorite for years, bringing us together on chilly nights.
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.
Pin These cookies are a holiday staple and always bring smiles when shared with family and friends.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 95, Total Fat 4.5 g, Carbohydrates 13 g, Protein 1 g per cookie
Pin Enjoy your festive Candy Cane Swirl Cookies with a warm cup of cocoa for the perfect holiday treat.
Recipe Questions
- → What flavor enhances the sweet dough?
Pure peppermint extract is added for a refreshing, festive mint flavor that complements the sugar dough perfectly.
- → How is the swirl effect created?
The dough is divided, with one portion colored red and then layered over the plain portion before being rolled tightly into a log.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature?
Bake the slices at 350°F (175°C) until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, usually 10–12 minutes.
- → Can crushed peppermint candies be added?
Yes, sprinkling crushed peppermint candies on top before baking adds crunch and extra festive flavor.
- → How should these sweets be stored?
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they freeze well and keep up to one month.