Save Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
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 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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 95 Total Fat: 4.5 g Carbohydrates: 13 g Protein: 1 g
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Recipe FAQs
- → How do the peppermint swirls form?
The dough is divided into two portions, one dyed red and the other left plain, then layered and rolled together to create the distinctive swirl pattern.
- → Can I enhance the mint flavor?
Yes, increasing the peppermint extract slightly will strengthen the minty notes without overpowering the other flavors.
- → How should I chill the dough?
Wrap the shaped dough in plastic and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, even rounds.
- → What is the purpose of red gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without altering the dough's consistency, ideal for maintaining texture.
- → How can these treats be stored?
Store in an airtight container, and they will keep well for up to one month, suitable for freezing as well.
- → What allergens are present?
These contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Peppermint candies may include soy or other allergens, so check packaging carefully.