Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where holiday baking gets festive swirls. Peppermint Swirl Cookies feature buttery vanilla dough twisted with vibrant peppermint dough, creating beautiful pinwheel slices that bake soft with crisp edges. Perfect for cookie exchanges, Santa trays, or gifting in tins.

Slice-and-bake method makes dozens with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

• Two simple doughs create stunning spiral pattern
• Peppermint extract delivers pure mint flavor without candy bits
• Chilling firms dough for clean slicing and shape retention
• Balanced sugar coating adds sparkle and crunch
• Freezes beautifully for make-ahead holiday prep

Ingredients & Prep

Vanilla Dough:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Peppermint Dough:

• Same as vanilla dough, but substitute peppermint extract for vanilla
• Red gel food coloring (10-15 drops)

For Rolling:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make vanilla dough: Beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and salt until smooth.
2. Make peppermint dough: Repeat with peppermint extract and tint red with gel coloring.
3. Divide each dough in half. On floured parchment, roll each half into 8×12-inch rectangles (¼-inch thick).
4. Stack peppermint rectangle on vanilla rectangle; gently press together. Roll tightly from long side into log. Repeat with remaining dough.
5. Wrap logs in plastic; chill 2 hours or overnight.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line sheets with parchment.
7. Cut logs into ¼-inch slices. Roll edges in granulated sugar. Bake 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Cool on sheets.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Store airtight at room temperature 5 days. Freeze dough logs or baked cookies up to 3 months.

FAQs

Dough cracking? Let chill longer and use sharp knife warmed in hot water.
No peppermint extract? Crush 10-12 peppermint candies finely.
Softer cookies? Bake 1 minute less and store in airtight container.

Conclusion

Peppermint Swirl Cookies bring holiday cheer in every beautiful bite. Festive, flavorful pinwheels that impress effortlessly. Find more cookie magic at dishfoody.com.

Peppermint Swirl Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

Soft, chewy cookies swirled with festive peppermint and chocolate perfect for holidays or any sweet craving.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins
• Total Time: 27 mins
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• Red and green sprinkles for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
• 3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• 4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
• 5. Divide dough into two portions; mix cocoa powder into one portion.
• 6. Scoop equal amounts from both doughs and gently swirl together.
• 7. Place dough onto prepared baking sheets.
• 8. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set.
• 9. Cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
• 10. Optional: decorate with sprinkles before baking.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to maintain swirls.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Add crushed candy canes on top for extra peppermint flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Peppermint Swirl Cookies, holiday cookies, chocolate peppermint cookies