Swirled Christmas Cookies bring holiday cheer with vibrant red and green dough swirled together into delightful pinwheels. These cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them ideal for gifting, holiday parties, or adorning your festive cookie platter. The fun swirls add a colorful touch, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into how to make these festive delights perfect for your Christmas baking!
Why You’ll Love This Swirled Christmas Cookies
These Swirled Christmas Cookies are not just visually appealing; they come packed with flavor and joy! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore them:
- Vibrant colors make them a festive centerpiece.
- Perfect for holiday gifting and cookie platters.
- Simple to make, even for beginner bakers.
- Fun for kids to help with, making it a family activity.
- They can be customized for any festive occasion.
- Deliciously buttery and sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Versatile with many decorating options.
- Perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.
With these easy swirled cookie recipes for Christmas, you’ll have a delightful treat that captures the essence of the season!
Ingredients for Swirled Christmas Cookies
Gather these items:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for softer dough)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- Sprinkles or colored sugar, to sprinkle on top after baking
How to Make Swirled Christmas Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add milk if dough is too dry.
- Step 2: Divide dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion, and green food coloring to the other. Mix until colors are fully incorporated. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Step 3: Roll each dough portion to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 4: Place red dough on top of green dough. Press gently, then roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick discs to create a pinwheel swirl pattern.
- Step 5: Place discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Step 6: Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Swirled Christmas Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- You can adjust the colors of the food coloring for different occasions.
- For a more decadent treat, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough.
- Ensure the butter is softened for optimal mixing.
- Experiment with different flavors of extracts for added variety.
Best Ways to Serve Swirled Christmas Cookies
These cookies can be served in various delightful ways:
- On a festive cookie platter alongside other holiday treats.
- As a decoration for a Christmas dessert table.
- Packed into gift boxes for friends and family.
They are a perfect addition to any holiday gathering!
How to Store and Reheat Swirled Christmas Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last up to one week. If you prefer them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. This is a great way to enjoy the delightful softness of these cookies anytime!
Frequently Asked Questions About Swirled Christmas Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Swirled Christmas Cookies?
The secret lies in the balance of dough texture and proper swirling technique. Ensure your doughs are not too soft, and roll them tightly to achieve those beautiful pinwheel patterns.
Can I make Swirled Christmas Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, roll it into logs, and freeze them. When ready to bake, just slice and bake as directed for fresh cookies anytime.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Swirled Christmas Cookies?
A common mistake is overworking the dough, which can make it tough. Also, ensure even coloring when mixing in food coloring to achieve a uniform look in your colorful Christmas cookie recipes.
Creative Variations of Swirled Christmas Cookies You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:
- Swap out the food coloring for pastel shades for a spring-themed cookie.
- Use flavored extracts like peppermint or almond for a unique taste.
- Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.
- Try making a chocolate version by incorporating cocoa powder into one of the doughs.
Whatever variation you choose, these swirled cookies are sure to bring joy and delight during your holiday celebrations!
For more festive recipes, check out our Frankenstein Cupcakes and Salted Caramel Cookies. You can also learn about Orange Black Marble Bread for a unique holiday treat. Don’t forget to explore our Caramel Apple Cheesecake for a delicious dessert option!
For more information on baking techniques, you can visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice.
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Swirled Christmas Cookies: 5 Festive Recipes to Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Swirled Christmas Cookies bring holiday cheer with vibrant red and green dough swirled together into pinwheels. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or creating a festive cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for softer dough)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon green food coloring
- Sprinkles or colored sugar, to sprinkle on top after baking
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Add milk if dough is too dry.
- Divide dough into two equal portions. Add red food coloring to one portion, and green food coloring to the other. Mix until colors are fully incorporated. Chill the dough for 30 minutes if too soft to handle.
- Roll each dough portion to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Place red dough on top of green dough. Press gently, then roll the dough into a log. Slice the log into ¼-inch thick discs to create a pinwheel swirl pattern.
- Place discs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, until edges begin to turn golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top for a festive finish.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week.
- You can adjust the colors of the food coloring for different occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg