Save to Pinterest 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.
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Save to Pinterest Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the swirl its vibrant red color?
Red gel food coloring is added to one half of the dough to achieve the vivid red swirl without affecting the dough’s texture.
- → Can the peppermint flavor be intensified?
Yes, increasing the peppermint extract slightly will enhance the minty flavor throughout the treats.
- → How should these treats be stored after baking?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness; they also freeze well for up to one month.
- → What tools are essential for preparation?
You’ll need basic baking tools including mixing bowls, an electric mixer, rolling pin, parchment paper, and a sharp knife.
- → Are there any common allergens present?
These treats contain wheat (gluten), eggs, and dairy (butter). Peppermint candies may also contain soy or other allergens.
- → What is the ideal baking temperature and time?
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and the surface loses shine.