Save Festive sugar cookies with vibrant red-and-white peppermint swirls, perfect for holiday gatherings and gifting.
I enjoy making these every holiday season because they bring festive cheer and everyone loves the minty flavor.
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 This recipe always fills our kitchen with holiday spirit and brings the family together around the table.
Notes
For a stronger mint flavor increase the peppermint extract slightly. Pair with hot cocoa or peppermint tea for a festive treat.
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.
Save This cookie platter will be a standout treat at your holiday gatherings and a new family favorite.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How can I intensify the peppermint flavor?
Increase the peppermint extract slightly to boost the minty freshness without overpowering the dough's buttery notes.
- → What is the best way to achieve vibrant red swirls?
Use gel food coloring for bright red tones without altering the dough's texture or consistency.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, these cookies freeze well and can be stored in an airtight container for up to one month.
- → What tools are recommended for shaping the dough?
Use a rolling pin and parchment paper to roll the dough evenly, then a sharp knife to slice the log into rounds.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
These treats contain wheat, eggs, and dairy. Peppermint candies may contain soy or other allergens, so check labels carefully.
- → What baking temperature and time should be used?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and surface is no longer shiny.