Irresistible Peppermint Swirl Cookies for the Holidays

The holiday season is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with peppermint swirl cookies? These delightful treats are a festive explosion of flavors, combining buttery goodness with a refreshing peppermint twist that will make your taste buds sing. The moment you take a bite, the smooth melt-in-your-mouth texture meets a zesty peppermint flavor, creating an experience that feels like a cozy hug from your grandma while she sips her hot cocoa.

Now, let’s be honest; who among us hasn’t accidentally eaten an entire batch of cookies in one sitting? I mean, they’re just so irresistible! I remember making these peppermint swirl cookies for the first time during my college days. My roommate and I thought we could impress our friends with our baking skills. Spoiler alert: we ended up devouring them all before anyone else had a chance! Now, these cookies have become our go-to holiday treat, perfect for cookie exchanges or simply enjoying while binge-watching holiday movies on the couch.

Ingredients for peppermint swirl cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for that rich flavor and tender texture; it’s key to cookie perfection.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener provides the base sweetness; don’t skimp on it if you want those lovely chewy cookies.
• Brown Sugar: Adding brown sugar introduces moisture and depth; it’s like giving your cookies a secret weapon.
• Eggs: One large egg binds everything together beautifully; just remember to bring it to room temperature for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie dough; make sure to measure accurately for consistent results.
• Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives that chocolatey richness; opt for high-quality brands for the best flavor.
• Baking Soda: This little helper ensures your cookies rise perfectly without being too dense.
• Peppermint Extract: The star of the show! Use pure extract for genuine minty goodness that’ll have everyone asking for more.
• White Chocolate Chips: Adding these will create a sweet contrast with the dark cocoa and elevate your cookie game!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make peppermint swirl cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper because nobody wants their beautiful creations stuck on the tray.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or channel your inner arm workout with a wooden spoon—whatever floats your boat!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extract

Once you have that creamy goodness going on, beat in one egg along with the peppermint extract. Trust me; this is where it starts smelling like Christmas magic in your kitchen!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients until combined. Remember not to overmix—your cookies aren’t gym buddies!

Step 5: Stir in the White Chocolate Chips

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in those white chocolate chips—you’ll want every cookie loaded with them because more chocolate is always better.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Scoop tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on racks while trying not to steal one straight away.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these delicious peppermint swirl cookies as you sip on some hot chocolate or share them with friends during holiday gatherings—they’re sure to be a hit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing your cookie dough and chilling it for about an hour. Meanwhile, prepare your peppermint candy canes by crushing them into tiny pieces. Once chilled, roll out the dough, sprinkle with crushed candy, and bake until golden perfection is achieved.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract if you want a twist. You can also add in some chocolate chips or nuts for an extra crunch. Customize the color of the icing to match any festive occasion!

Storing & Reheating

Store your peppermint swirl cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For maximum freshness, consider freezing them; just thaw at room temperature before indulging in their minty goodness.

After making these peppermint swirl cookies for my holiday party, my friends declared me the “Cookie Queen.” Little did they know, I just followed this simple recipe! The compliments kept pouring in, making me feel like a pastry chef extraordinaire!

FAQs:

What are peppermint swirl cookies?

Peppermint swirl cookies are delightful treats that combine the rich flavor of chocolate with refreshing peppermint. These cookies typically feature a soft, chewy texture and vibrant swirls of red and white from peppermint extract and food coloring. Ideal for holiday gatherings or winter celebrations, they often bring a festive touch to dessert tables. The balance of chocolate and mint flavors makes them a favorite among cookie lovers, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

How do I store peppermint swirl cookies?

To maintain the freshness of your peppermint swirl cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps preserve their soft texture and flavor. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in freezer-safe bags or containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Properly stored, these cookies can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Can I customize my peppermint swirl cookies?

Absolutely! Customizing your peppermint swirl cookies is easy and fun. You can add chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, or even different extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance the flavor profile. For a unique twist, try using different colored food coloring for the swirls or sprinkle festive toppings on top before baking. Experimenting with various ingredients allows you to create a personalized version that suits your taste preferences while maintaining the essence of these delicious cookies.

Are peppermint swirl cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes, peppermint swirl cookies make excellent gifts! Their festive appearance and delightful flavor make them a thoughtful treat for friends and family during the holiday season. To present them nicely, package the cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with tissue paper. You could also include a handwritten recipe card for an added personal touch. Gifting these cookies not only shares a tasty treat but also spreads holiday cheer to those you care about.

Conclusion for peppermint swirl cookies:

In summary, peppermint swirl cookies are a delightful addition to any festive occasion. With their unique blend of chocolate and mint flavors, they appeal to many cookie enthusiasts. Storing these treats properly ensures they remain fresh for enjoyment later on. Moreover, customizing your version allows for creativity in the kitchen while keeping true to traditional recipes. Whether you’re baking for yourself or gifting them to others, peppermint swirl cookies are sure to bring joy and sweetness to your celebrations.

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Peppermint Swirl Cookies

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the holidays with these easy-to-make peppermint swirl cookies, featuring a rich chocolate base and refreshing mint flavor that will enchant your taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Extract: Beat in the egg and peppermint extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. Stir in White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Shape and Bake: Scoop tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until set but still soft in the center. Allow to cool on racks before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For a festive twist, crush peppermint candy canes and sprinkle them on top before baking. Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique flavor profile. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.