Candy Cane Swirl Cookie

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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Enjoy these festive cookies with your loved ones for a sweet holiday treat.

Recipe FAQs

→ How is the peppermint flavor incorporated?

Pure peppermint extract is mixed into the dough, providing a fresh and festive taste.

→ What causes the red swirls in the cookies?

Red gel food coloring is added to half the dough, then layered and rolled to create the distinctive swirls.

→ Can these treats be prepared in advance?

Yes, the dough can be chilled before baking and finished cookies freeze well for up to one month.

→ What texture can I expect?

The cookies are crisp around the edges with a tender center, balancing buttery richness and peppermint zing.

→ Are there any suggested pairings?

These festive treats complement warm beverages like hot cocoa or peppermint tea for an extra cozy experience.

→ Is there an option to add extra garnish?

Crushed peppermint candies can be sprinkled on top before baking to enhance flavor and texture.